Making Homemade Butter!

Creating homemade butter is not only a fun culinary project but also a rewarding one. In just a few steps and with minimal ingredients, you can whip up fresh, rich butter right in your own kitchen.

You don’t need fancy gadgets to make butter. All it takes is a simple pair of hand beaters (or a Kitchen aid Mixer) and quality cream.

Ingredients:

- 1 pint of heavy cream (opt for at least 36% fat for the best flavor)

- Salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

• Using your hand beaters or a Kitchen aid Mixer, whip the cream on medium speed.

• Initially, it will transform from liquid to soft peaks. Keep beating until you reach stiff peaks. This step typically takes between 5 to 10 minutes. (Don't forget to pause to scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing).

• Once you see stiff peaks, continue beating. At this stage, the cream will start to separate. You will observe buttermilk pooling around clumps of butter, which is exactly what you want. Don't stop beating until the buttermilk has fully separated from the butter.

• When you notice a solid mass of butter, stop mixing.

• Carefully pour the buttermilk into another container. (And then use this versatile byproduct later in recipes like pancakes, biscuits, or salad dressings)

• Rinse the butter under cold filtered water. Squeeze to ensure you remove any remaining buttermilk. (This rinsing step is essential for extending the shelf life of your butter).

• Optional: If you like salted butter, sprinkle some salt into the butter and mix it in thoroughly. Feel free to get creative with other flavors, like minced garlic, fresh herbs, or spices. For instance, adding fresh rosemary or chives can elevate your butter to the next level.

• Transfer your homemade butter into a clean glass storage container. Press down firmly to eliminate air pockets, which can lead to spoilage. Cover the container and store it in the refrigerator. Homemade butter can last about a month in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.

• Enjoy!