Buzz
Churning butter has been a traditional method used in households for generations. All you'll need is a butter churner, cream, and a butter mold.
Ingredients Needed:
- Cream
- Ice-cold Water
Steps to Follow:
Finding a Butter Churner
Explore online options for purchasing a butter churner. These can be found in kitchenware and specialty homestead stores, as well as on online auction sites like eBay or through local platforms like Craigslist or #Freecycle.
- Butter churns come in various materials and sizes, from wooden to ceramic or glass, and from handheld to large standing models. For most home cooks, a small or handheld churner will suffice.
- You can choose between antique and modern versions of churners. When buying an antique churner, ensure all parts are functional and not rusted. Seek advice from antique kitchenware experts or dairy farmers if needed.
Create Your Own Churner. If you're handy with woodwork, you can craft your own churner.
- An easy option is to make an 'up and down churn' using a small dowel inserted into a jar lid.
- For a more complex paddle churn, use a jar or coffee can with a lid and rig up a system of dowels connected to a small wheel for turning.
- Your electric mixer, like a KitchenAid, can also serve as a churner. Ensure to cover it with a towel to prevent splattering.
Starting the Churning Process
Prepare the cream for churning at room temperature (60ºF/15ºC). If it's too cold, warm it with water; if too warm, cool it down.
Fill the container with cream, but not more than a quarter or a third full. Excess cream will hinder the churning process.
Operate the churner mechanism for up to 30 minutes by turning the wheel/handle, moving the dash, or using the electric beater. If the butter hasn't formed within this time, adjust the cream temperature as needed.
- Using an electric mixer will expedite the butter formation process.
Clean and prepare the butter for storage. Although optional, this step enhances the butter's shelf life.
- Transfer the butter to a ceramic or glass jar.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water and shake for 2-3 minutes.
- Strain out the water and repeat once more for clarity.
- Mash the butter to remove remaining water, then strain.
Mold the butter and refrigerate until set. Once set, the butter can be consumed immediately or stored for later use. Refer to How to store butter for storage instructions.
Additional Tips
- After producing the butter, refrigerate it promptly and store it covered to prevent absorbing refrigerator odors.
- If a butter churn is labeled as a 'collectible,' it may not be suitable for practical use today. Ensure it's both functional and hygienic.
- If you're interested in making butter but prefer alternatives to using a churn, explore How to make butter for various alternative methods.
Essential Supplies
- Butter churner
- Jar with lid
- Butter mold
- Airtight storage container suitable for refrigeration (if storing)
