OK. I can”t believe it took me this long to make butter. I knew that it was easy to make, but I think somehow in the recesses of my brain it just seemed like it had to be more difficult than it is. Now that I”ve made it, I”m wondering, why is this not a common thing? Why aren”t we all making our own butter? We make whipped cream all the time and butter is essentially over-whipped whipped cream. After you beat the cream for 10 minutes or so it separates into butter and buttermilk (not the same buttermilk that you buy from the store because this is not fermented). That”s it. Now you have butter. Does it get any simpler then that?
Now, this doesn”t mean I”m going to be making my own butter all the time. I”m still planning on using the sticks for baking and such because this is one instance where homemade is not actually cheaper. For me to buy 2 sticks of butter (1 cup) is cheaper than buying a pint of heavy cream (which makes 1 cup of butter), plus the bars are awfully handy for measuring. But, for those times when you”re wanting to use butter as a spread, I definitely think it”s worth it to make your own. The fresh taste and satisfaction of making your own butter just can”t be beat. Add herbs, spices, or citrus zest to jazz it up and give it some diversity. Just think what a star you”ll be when you whip some up for brunch to serve with scones or french toast.
Please, please do yourself a favour and don”t wait as long as I did, to make your own butter. You will not be disappointed.
Homemade Butter
- 1 pint heavy cream (2 cups)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (optional)
Beat cream in a stand mixer* with the whisk attachment until solids form (butter) and separate from the liquid (buttermilk). Pour into a fine mesh sieve to strain buttermilk. Rinse with cold water. Press with a spatula (or squeeze with hands) to make it into a cohesive mass and to remove excess water. Mix in salt, if desired.
*According to other sources this can also be made in a food processor or blender but it was too thick for my cheap blender so I switched to the mixer. Also you could use hand beaters.
Makes approximately: 1 cup butter
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