We had homemade butter and biscuits tonight and it was the best part of the meal. There is something that is so perfect about taking cream and making butter that its a shame that most people no longer make their butter themselves. Its so simple to do and gives a far nicer product then what comes from the store.
Many people will pull out the mixer, the blender or any number of fancy equipment to make butter but you really don't need to do all that unless you have huge quantities of cream to process. All you really need for a small amount of butter is a jar with a lid. I know. I know. You're imagining sitting down and shaking a jar vigorously until your arm aches and you're too tired to enjoy the butter. Well I just want you to know that nothing could be further from reality. It is EASY. It doesn't take long. It won't be enough to wear you out in the least. Even a child or physically challenged person can do this.
First, don't worry. I'm not going to milk a cow or a goat and separate the cream from the milk. I HAVE done that but for tonight's butter (and yours when you first try it) I just used store bought cream. I even bought THIS cream at the dollar store for one dollar. So relax and be prepared to be amazed.
Many people will pull out the mixer, the blender or any number of fancy equipment to make butter but you really don't need to do all that unless you have huge quantities of cream to process. All you really need for a small amount of butter is a jar with a lid. I know. I know. You're imagining sitting down and shaking a jar vigorously until your arm aches and you're too tired to enjoy the butter. Well I just want you to know that nothing could be further from reality. It is EASY. It doesn't take long. It won't be enough to wear you out in the least. Even a child or physically challenged person can do this.
First, don't worry. I'm not going to milk a cow or a goat and separate the cream from the milk. I HAVE done that but for tonight's butter (and yours when you first try it) I just used store bought cream. I even bought THIS cream at the dollar store for one dollar. So relax and be prepared to be amazed.
The TRUE secret to making butter from cream is to first let the cream sit at room temperature. No, its not going to spoil. Its only necessary to let it sit out for a few hours. While it sits out it is going to begin to "sour". As it sours it makes lactic acid and that lactic acid helps make the whole process go faster. It makes it easier and much quicker to separate the butter from the milk then if you pull your cream from the refrigerator and use it cold without allowing for the addition of lactic acid. What I usually do is sit the cream on the counter when I go to work. When I get home in the evening its ready to turn into butter.
Pour the soured cream in a jar when you get ready to make butter. Then tightly screw on the lid. Notice here that the cream in the jar is a little bubbly and thick. That is the lactic acid making it that way. Now don't go all crazy and shake the jar like a madman. Just gently and slowly shake the jar so that the cream hits the other end of the jar. Just about 30 shakes a minute is all it takes. 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2....for about 2 minutes or three at the very most.
Pour the soured cream in a jar when you get ready to make butter. Then tightly screw on the lid. Notice here that the cream in the jar is a little bubbly and thick. That is the lactic acid making it that way. Now don't go all crazy and shake the jar like a madman. Just gently and slowly shake the jar so that the cream hits the other end of the jar. Just about 30 shakes a minute is all it takes. 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2....for about 2 minutes or three at the very most.
Here at the beginning you can see that the cream coats the jar sides thickly and you can't see through the jar.
As you shake the jar you will FEEL and see a difference in the cream inside. The cream will begin to leave the side of the jar and you will be able to see INSIDE. After about two minutes (or three tops) you will see the cream sticking together and forming a ball inside. Then you will FEEL the ball of butter as it solidifies and rocks from end to end of the jar as you shake it. When its makes a definite solid thump, thump and you can SEE the butter ball then you can stop shaking. Your jar with the butter will look like this.
Now take the lid off and pour off the liquid. That liquid is buttermilk. Its not at all like the kind in the grocery store. Go ahead and drink it or use it for baking. Its great in biscuits or pancakes. Its what I used in the biscuits we had tonight.
Now you have the lump of butter. You will want to rinse the butter with water. Just run it under running water and pour off the liquid until it runs clear. Then take a wooden spoon or a spatula and press out any remaining liquid. Be sure to get as much as possible out because it will give you a much better butter that won't spoil as fast. You can add a little salt if you prefer salted butter or you can leave it out. I don't usually salt the butter.
Here is a picture of the finished butter and the buttermilk. In less then three minutes, you can have fresh homemade butter just like this which is much better then anything you can buy premade. Plus, don't forget you get the bonus of buttermilk. And the cleanup is easy too. You just have one jar and a spatula to wash. NOTHING could be easier and better then making your own butter.
Now you have the lump of butter. You will want to rinse the butter with water. Just run it under running water and pour off the liquid until it runs clear. Then take a wooden spoon or a spatula and press out any remaining liquid. Be sure to get as much as possible out because it will give you a much better butter that won't spoil as fast. You can add a little salt if you prefer salted butter or you can leave it out. I don't usually salt the butter.
Here is a picture of the finished butter and the buttermilk. In less then three minutes, you can have fresh homemade butter just like this which is much better then anything you can buy premade. Plus, don't forget you get the bonus of buttermilk. And the cleanup is easy too. You just have one jar and a spatula to wash. NOTHING could be easier and better then making your own butter.
Go ahead. Give it a try. It's really easy and tastes great!
Southern Wood Elf
Southern Wood Elf