Homemade Butter

This time of year, I always get excited to make butter!  My mom always had us make it as kids, so it is kind of a tradition.

What you'll need:

• 1 quart mason jar with lid OR a hand mixer
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• Pinch of salt
• Optional flavorings:  honey, herbs, spices
• Optional butter song

 

Maple butter

Method 1:  Slow  (great for keeping kids occupied)

• Gather the kids
• Put the whipping cream and salt in the mason jar, and close tightly.
• Have the kids roll the jar back and forth between them for a half hour.
• Pour out the liquid, and roll some more.  Pour out more liquid.
• Mix with honey or herbs if desired.  Or, you can leave it in the natural stick shape that the mason jar creates.  Refrigerate.

Method 2:  Quick

• Put the whipping cream and salt in a bowl.
• Use the hand blender to mix for 5-10 minutes.  It'll go from frothy to whipped to butter... don't give up!  (Also, don't do this in a bigger batch, it will take infinitely longer for some reason.)
• Pour out the liquid, blend.  Pour out more liquid.
• Mix with honey or herbs if desired.  Refrigerate.

The last little details

The liquid that comes out is buttermilk.  You can use this for baking... or for whatever else buttermilk is used.

Some people wash the butter, mixing it with iced water and then blending/shaking to get the water out.  You wash multiple times, until the water that comes out is clear, and then get ALL the water out.  The purpose for this is so that the butter isn't so perishable... but I find that there is no butter left after a holiday anyway, so it's not worth the extra effort.  Plus, it tastes better if you just leave a little bit o' buttermilk in.

My favorite flavoring is just honey with a bit of salt.  I tried maple syrup once, and it was absolutely delicious but kept separating... I'll be making it again to try to perfect the recipe.  Another blend that went over extremely well was winter savory, thyme, powdered sage, and a little minced garlic.  If you're adding dry herbs instead of fresh herbs, the butter will last a bit longer.  Just make sure to let it age in the fridge for a day.

I like to display it in jam jars, since once it is mixed with herbs, it is difficult to form into a nice crisp loaf.


Don't forget the song!

My mom taught us this song, which is supposed to help the butter churn.  Repeat the stanza, using each person's name as you progress.

    Come butter come, come butter come, 
    Kendra's at the garden gate, waiting for her butter cake.
    Come butter come.

Now, this song will get a little repetitive.  I recommend making up your own lyrics.

    Fill me up with salt and cream,
    Shake me 'til I want to scream!
    Trust me, you can't go too far...
    I'm just a little mason jar.

Yeah, I just came up with that now.  Don't laugh!


What unique treat do you usually make for the holidays?