It’s been awhile since I took the time to take those cold hard-as-brick sticks of butter and put them into a spreadable form. Finally, I grew weary of seeing those sticks re-wrapped, clumsily, covered in crumbs stuck back on the shelf in the fridge.
It took so little time, too. Why did I wait to long? Here’s how I do it:
I use real butter. Most of the ” healthy spreads” are full of hydrogenated oils, so I feel safer using butter. Plus, butter tastes good; I use it, a lot, and I hate it when the butter is hard, and it rips your bread when you try to spread it around. Here’s how to cut some of the fat, without spoiling butter’s perfect taste.
This tip was in one of my favorite cooking manuals, by Sally Schneider, A New Way to Cook (notice I said manual not book. It’s a manual, because it has so many amazing tips and formulas for transforming food.) Sally calls this “margarine”, and it was devised by Sally’s sister Susy. (OK, that’s the real reason I like this.)
Right before you make your next batch of cookies, preferably in the mixer of food processor, pull out a stick (8oz.) of real butter (softened), 1/2 cup grapeseed, canola, or mild extra-virgin olive oil, (always in a glass bottle, as plastic reacts with oil), and 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix until completely creamy.
Transfer to a container, cover and refrigerate. It keeps for several weeks. I usually double the batch, because we go through a lot of pancakes.
I came up with the cookie idea — I mean you’re going to be filling that bowl with butter anyway, so you might as well make some cookies, right?
Great idea! If it ever cools off enough to use the oven I try this. Thanks!
I like butter too but always hated how it was not very spreadable just out of the fridge. I will try this.
That IS a good idea – thank you!
Just proving what smart cookie you are. Again.
{Couldn’t resist.}
Oh, no, no no. I just LIKE cookies…
I could eat butter by itself. I refrain and don’t but I COULD. I’ve never heard of this though, great tip.
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love that your husband is an iron man, but walks next to you. And I to am struggling with my (only!) child being away at Kindergarten! 🙂
(and butter… um… I’ve got nothing to say about butter…)
That was a super tip! Thanks, Susie!
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aaahh, that’s some awesome tip! Love butter, hate margarine for the same reason you do but a lot of people think that margarine is better or healthier.
Just curious if you’ve ever used a butter bell or butter crock? They’re absolutely wonderful for keeping your butter soft and spreadable as well as fresh. They have some really beautiful ones on Etsy. I’ve never thought to add oil though. I’m assuming it doesn’t change the flavor of the butter? Thanks!