Today’s Homesteading: Making Butter

This week our modern homesteading series covers a simple product that you might not have known you could make so easily… butter. This refrigerator staple can be made in just a few minutes and, to make matters even better, it can be turned up a notch in just a few minutes more.

This is such a great project for the kids. Not only does it relieve you of the physical task of shaking the cream, but it is kitchen basics at its best. In just a few minutes, the cream goes from liquid to whipped cream. Then, just when you think it is ruined… presto! You have butter!

One last thing. That’s not the end of it. Do not discard the liquid that is leftover. That is the ever-useful buttermilk. Save it for pancakes, waffles, or biscuits. I love that someone somewhere figured out how to use the whole product.

savour… food science

MAKING BUTTER AND HERB BUTTER

Before you start:

Butter does contain a great deal of fat, but it does not have to be the enemy. As with all things, moderation is the key.

Here we have taken inspirations from two different styles of food, but you could choose your own by adding different herbs and spices (think Mexican… cilantro, cumin).

Making butter from scratch

What you will need:

• medium-sized jar with a tight-fitting lid
• 8 oz of heavy cream
• 1 marble
• plenty of patience

The method:

1. Put cream and marble in jar.
2. Seal tightly.
3. Shake back and forth for 8-10 minutes vigorously.
4. The cream will turn to thick whipped cream. Continue to shake 1-2 minutes.
5. When the cream separates a ball of butter will be formed. Shake just long enough to separate the liquid (maybe a minute).
6. Strain liquid from the ball of butter and save.
7. Remove marble from butter.
8. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

French Inspired Herb Butter

The ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter (store-bought or homemade slightly softened)
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped scallion
• 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• pinch of salt

The method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well.
3. Pipe into crocks or make pats and return to refrigerator.
4. Serve.

Italian Inspired Herb Butter

The ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter (store-bought or homemade slightly softened)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/8 teaspoon finely chopped scallion
• 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• pinch of salt

The method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Mix well.
3. Pipe into crocks or make pats and return to the refrigerator.
4. Serve.