Recipe: Homemade Butter

Homemade butter is a culinary delight that's easy to create with just one primary ingredient: heavy cream. Whether you're looking for a classic salted butter or want to experiment with exciting flavor combinations, making your own butter is a rewarding experience. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the simple process of making basic salted butter and introduce you to a couple delicious butter variations to elevate your dishes.

Homemade Butter Recipe:

Ingredients:

Heavy cream (I love to get cream from the local farm!)

Equipment:

Stand mixer (link to mine, with many color options!)

Mason jar with lid (if you prefer a manual method)

Butter mold (link to mine)

Instructions:

1. Prepare your Equipment:

If using a mixer, attach the whisk attachment.

If making butter without a mixer, have your mason jar ready.

2. Pour the Heavy Cream:

Pour the desired amount of heavy cream into the mixing bowl or mason jar. I normally do a pint of heavy cream.

4. Whip the Cream:

Continue mixing (or shaking in the jar) until the cream progresses through various stages.

It will transform from whipped cream to a grainy texture and eventually separate into butter and buttermilk.

5. Drain the Buttermilk:

Pour off the liquid (buttermilk), saving it for other recipes! I'll post some of these too!

I pour the buttermilk into a mason jar, using a special mason jar funnel and strainer. I linked my funnel/strainer.

6. Knead Out Remaining Buttermilk:

To remove any remaining buttermilk and extend the shelf life of your butter, you can knead it under cold water. Place the butter in a bowl of ice-cold water and knead it with a spatula or your hands until the water runs clear.

7. Add Salt (for Salted Butter):

While the butter is still soft, place it in a clean bowl.

Sprinkle a pinch or two of sea salt over the butter to taste.

Gently fold and mix the salt into the butter, ensuring even distribution.

Taste a small amount and adjust the salt level if needed.

8. Shape the Butter and Use a Butter Mold (Optional):

If you desire beautifully shaped butter, press the butter into a butter mold. I like to keep mine in the mold while I'm not using the butter - and I always have some in my freezer!

9. Freeze for Preservation:

To preserve your homemade butter, place the butter mold (if used) or the shaped butter on a parchment-lined tray and put it in the freezer.

Once the butter is firm, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer for longer-term preservation. You can also keep a portion of it in the refrigerator for immediate use.

Creative Butter Variations:

1. Herb Butter:

Ingredients: Salted homemade butter, fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, cilantro, dill), minced garlic (optional), a squeeze of lemon juice (optional).

Instructions: Finely chop herbs, add minced garlic and lemon juice, and mix into the butter. Ideal for bread or grilled vegetables.

2. Sweet Honey Cinnamon Butter:

Ingredients: Salted homemade butter, honey, ground cinnamon.

Instructions: Combine butter with honey and cinnamon. Perfect for pancakes or muffins.

3. Garlic and Herb Compound Butter:

Ingredients: Salted homemade butter, minced garlic, herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano), black pepper.

Instructions: Mix garlic, herbs, and black pepper into butter. Great for grilled meats.

Homemade butter is a versatile and delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you prefer it salted or infused with herbs, sweetened with honey and cinnamon, or elevated with herbs, homemade butter allows you to add a personal touch to your meals. So, embark on this culinary journey, savor the taste of your very own homemade butter creations, and use a butter mold for an extra touch of elegance. Your taste buds will thank you.

From the simplicity of classic salted butter to the complexity of unique flavor combinations, homemade butter can elevate any dish. Enjoy the process, get creative, and relish the culinary magic of homemade butter, now beautifully shaped and preserved in your freezer.