The crock holds just under half a block of butter approximately g. Always fill with softened butter, not melted or hard, as it will drop out into the water. Pop the bell into the crock and the water level will rise around the bell, sealing it off and keeping it cool.
Change the water every two to four days to keep things fresh. Store on the counter or in the pantry, away from direct heat or sunlight, to prevent the butter from melting. Buy a Le Creuset Butter Bell. If you have a thing for nifty gadgets check out some more products in out How it works series.
Warmth and exposure to air are the real culprits in making butter go bad. So, is there a way to keep your butter soft and safe at the same time? And though it may sound like a kind of goofy contraption, the butter bell perfectly accomplishes both tasks, allowing you to safely leave butter at room temperature.
A butter bell also commonly called a butter crock or butter keeper comes in two pieces: a cone or cup shaped container with a non-removable, saucer-like base, and a larger cup — both are usually made of ceramic.
The butter cone is then placed, butter side down into the cup containing the water. Until you get used to using it, you should do this step over the sink, as water may overflow out. After a few goes, you'll figure out just how much water you need by sight, but to be clear… the butter should touch the water.
What you're doing is preventing any air from coming into contact with the surface of the butter, effectively sealing it off from the air and preventing spoilage. If your home is very warm, I'd suggest changing the water out twice a day. That may sound like a lot of effort, but changing the water takes about 15 seconds The first time I tried using a butter bell Since butter crocks were items used every day, they often have nicks, cracks, or sometimes are missing a lid or have mismatched pieces.
Butter crocks with interesting designs or the names of the manufacturer are valued more highly. However, perhaps the most important thing in collecting is to find a piece that you like!
Why buy a butter crock? Not only is it useful, it is a connection to the people of the past and a different way of life. For my girls, using a butter crock reminds them of their "meme," but also is a connection with the American pioneer past of my side of the family.
We talked about this when we visited our local history museum and watched butter being churned. They wanted to make their own butter, so we did! I devised a method for them to make their own butter by putting heavy whipping cream in a jar with a few marbles. They shook the jar until the marbles stopped moving because the cream had turned into butter and liquid. My kids loved being able to pack the butter in the crock and we talked about how Laura in Little House on the Prairie had done these sorts of tasks!
If you want to make your own butter, you can do it even more easily by putting heavy whipping cream in a bowl and using your mixer at high speed. When the butter separates, you will want to use a spoon to squeeze out all the liquid. I often also pat the butter with paper towels. Then mix in a pinch of salt for flavor. However you make it, homemade butter always tastes best! Yes--you certainly can keep it in the refrigerator. I also live in a very humid climate and I do sometimes keep it in the refrigerator when we aren't using it for a while.
Great idea! This may be a really silly question, but, hey! I've had a tough few days Would it be okay to use the butter crock as described but keep it in the 'frig? I realize this may be defeating the purpose of the whole soft, spreadable, thing, but I do live in a hot, mildewy, type climate and I'm gone often.
So, I'm thinking use the crock - keep it in the refrigerator and when I'm going to be using the crock just set it out early in the day. Would this work or am I totally wonky on this? Thanx for any input on this! Hi mimi--I think whether butter spoils may depend on where you live and also how fast you use the butter. I'm in a hot climate, so it spoils fast. I keep butter on the counter in a glass covered butter dish in all the seasons and have never had it spoil.
It's soft and ready to use. I spotted a vintage butter keeper at an estate sale, which is how I landed here, curious about its use. Thx for the info, was curious if anyone else keeps butter on the counter and if they've ever experienced it spoiling? Picadilly--love that name! You are right that this makes a great gift. It isn't expensive and is unique too.
I love this hub!!! I have learned something new today, and have been given a great idea for Christmas presents for friends who live in their kitchen with their gadgets!!
The butter crock will make a unique gift!! Wow, I never knew about butter crocks.
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