Salted Butter 250 g The Fruit Basket Shop from www.thefruitbasketshop.co.uk
Introduction
Butter is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. While unsalted butter is a staple in many kitchens, salted butter is a popular alternative that adds a savory flavor to dishes. Making your own salted butter at home is surprisingly easy and can save you money in the long run. In this article, we will show you how to make salted butter at home that is perfect for cooking, baking, or spreading on toast.
Ingredients
To make salted butter, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cold water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream
Start by pouring 2 cups of heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. You can use either pasteurized or unpasteurized cream, but make sure it is at room temperature. If the cream is too cold, it will take longer to whip.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer, whip the cream on high speed until it thickens and forms soft peaks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip the cream, or it will turn into butter too quickly.
Step 3: Continue Whipping
Reduce the mixer speed to medium and continue whipping the cream. After a few minutes, the cream will start to thicken even more and become grainy. Keep whipping until the butterfat separates from the buttermilk. This should take another 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Drain the Buttermilk
Once the butterfat has separated, pour the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer set over a large bowl. The liquid that drains out is buttermilk, which you can save for other recipes. Gather the cheesecloth around the butter and squeeze out any remaining liquid.
Step 5: Rinse the Butter
Hold the butter under cold running water and knead it with your hands to remove any remaining buttermilk. This step is important because any leftover buttermilk will cause the butter to spoil faster.
Step 6: Add Salt
Once the butter is rinsed and drained, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and knead it into the butter. You can adjust the amount of salt to your preference, but start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Step 7: Shape the Butter
Shape the butter into a log or a block and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also shape the butter into individual pats or use a butter mold to create decorative shapes. Store the butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer storage.
Nutrition
Salted butter is high in fat and calories, but it also contains important nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin D. One tablespoon of salted butter contains approximately:
102 calories
12 grams of fat
7 grams of saturated fat
31 milligrams of cholesterol
91 milligrams of sodium
While salted butter should be consumed in moderation, it can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Making your own salted butter at home is a fun and easy way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and some elbow grease, you can whip up a batch of delicious butter in no time. Experiment with different types of salt and herbs to create your own unique butter flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!