Butter Together: How Homemade Butter Brought My Family Closer

Butter Together: How Homemade Butter Brought My Family Closer

In today’s fast-paced world, finding activities that bring the family together can feel like an uphill battle. With work commitments, school schedules, and the constant pull of digital distractions, quality time often seems like a luxury we can’t afford. For my family, however, we’ve discovered a simple yet rewarding tradition that not only strengthens our bond but also results in something delicious: making homemade butter. It’s become a cherished ritual for us, where we gather in the kitchen, share stories, and create something special together. Plus, as Zane and I embrace a modified carnivore diet, homemade butter plays a significant role in our meals, making it both a fun activity and a practical one!

The Joy of Creating Something Together

What started as a rainy-day activity to channel the kids' restless energy quickly transformed into something truly special! Making butter is a delightfully simple process, yet there's an enchanting magic in watching cream turn into butter through our teamwork. Whether we're shaking mason jars, using a stand mixer, or my favorite speedy method—the food processor—every family member gets to join in on the fun in their own unique way!

Every Sunday, we gather in the kitchen to make fresh butter. The kids love telling their friends about our tradition and often invite them over to join the fun. The girls especially enjoy drinking the fresh buttermilk that’s left over from the process, a treat they eagerly anticipate each week.

Butter fresh out of the food processor about to be drained and rinsed

Fresh butter after draining before rinse and molding

The girls drinking their homemade buttermilk upside down while watching cartoons.

The laughter that fills the kitchen as we take turns shaking jars, the curiosity sparked by the science behind the process, and the pride on my children’s faces as they taste the butter they helped make—these moments are priceless. It’s more than just butter; it’s memories.

Different Ways to Make Butter

One of the beauties of homemade butter is its versatility. Depending on your available tools and the level of involvement you want, there are various methods to try:

1. Shaking a Mason Jar:

   • This method is perfect for kids and beginners. Simply fill a mason jar halfway with heavy cream, screw the lid on tightly, and shake vigorously. In about 10-15 minutes, you’ll see the butter solids separate from the buttermilk. Drain the buttermilk, rinse the butter under cold water, and you’re done!

     
     
     
     

     

     #MOMhack Alert

     * This is an excellent #momhack for helping kids burn off energy. Play an upbeat song and have the children take turns. Turn it into a game. Use a timer and rotate like musical chairs. The winner is the one who is shaking when the butter solids separate from the buttermilk.

   
   
   
   

2. Using a Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer:

   • When you're going big on butter, your mixer becomes your new BFF. Just toss some heavy cream in the bowl and let it spin on medium-high speed. In no time, you'll zoom past the whipped cream stage and hit butter and buttermilk territory. It's like magic, but faster and messier! Beware, though—this butter-making beast can turn your kitchen into a splash zone if you're not ready. Trust me, we found out the hard way. So, take my advice: arm yourself with a tea towel and cover that mixer unless you want a buttermilk shower!

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3. Traditional Butter Churn:

   • For those who love a nostalgic touch, a hand-crank butter churn offers a deeper connection to the process. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids about how things were done in the past while enjoying a great arm workout.

     
     

     Link to a hand held Old Fashioned style butter churn-https://amzn.to/49ZFFU9

   
   

4. Using a Food Processor:

   • If you're seeking the fastest and most efficient way, a food processor is transformative. Just pour heavy cream into the processor and let it run on high. In a matter of minutes, the cream will split into butter and buttermilk. Once the butter forms, strain out the buttermilk and rinse the butter with cold water. This approach is ideal for hectic days when you want the satisfaction of homemade butter with minimal effort. This is my go-to method for making butter when everyone is too busy to assist me.

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   • Link to How to video I made for TikTok

     
     

Click Me how To Video

Link to the food Processor I use-https://amzn.to/3DHsQlh

My Favorite supplies for butter Making-

Butter Stick molds-https://amzn.to/4gYfgZd

Butter Milk Jar-https://amzn.to/4h3WZd7

Ultra fine cheese Cloth-https://amzn.to/3DEG2rj

French butter Keeper-https://amzn.to/40gZlj0 (perfect for Keeping fresh butter on the counter safely)

Health Benefits of Homemade Butter

Homemade butter isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also healthier than many store-bought options. Here’s why:

• No Additives or Preservatives: Store-bought butter often contains additives to extend shelf life. Homemade butter is pure, made from just one ingredient: cream. You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what you’re putting on your table.

• Rich in Vitamins and Nutrients: Butter made from high-quality, grass-fed cream is an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, strong bones, and a robust immune system. The natural fats in butter also aid in the absorption of these vitamins.

• Healthier Fats: Contrary to popular belief, the natural saturated fats in homemade butter can be part of a balanced diet. These fats provide energy and support brain health, making butter a smarter choice than heavily processed spreads.

• Customizable Nutritional Profile: Homemade butter allows you to control the ingredients. Adding herbs, garlic, or even turmeric can enhance both the flavor and health benefits, making it a functional food tailored to your family’s needs.

• Buttermilk Benefits: The byproduct of making butter, buttermilk, is rich in probiotics that promote gut health. Drinking it fresh or incorporating it into recipes can support digestion and boost overall wellness.

Uses for Buttermilk

Buttermilk is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes. It’s a staple in baking, where its acidity helps create light and fluffy pancakes, biscuits, and cakes. Buttermilk is also the secret to tenderizing meats, making it an excellent marinade for fried chicken or pork chops. For a refreshing twist, you can use it as a base for salad dressings, smoothies, or cold soups like chilled cucumber soup. Its tangy flavor adds depth to recipes, while its probiotic content supports digestive health, making it as practical as it is nutritious.

A Recipe for a Buttermilk Meat Marinade

Buttermilk’s natural acidity and rich flavor make it an exceptional base for marinades, tenderizing meats while infusing them with a tangy depth of flavor. Here’s a simple recipe for a buttermilk marinade that’s perfect for chicken, pork, or even lamb: We used in for our Prime Rib for Christmas dinner. It was so tender and delicious

Ingredients:

• 2 cups homemade buttermilk

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2-4 chicken thighs, pork chops, or meat of choice

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic, black pepper and salt. Whisk until well blended.

2. Place the meat in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated.

3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

4. Remove the meat from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and cook as desired: grill, bake, or pan-sear to perfection.

This buttermilk marinade is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for barbecues or family dinners. It’s an easy way to take your homemade buttermilk to the next level, turning an everyday meal into something extraordinary.

Molded Herb Butter: A Perfect Party Pleaser

One of the most impressive and versatile ways to use fresh butter is by creating molded herb butter. This dish not only elevates your cooking but also makes for a fantastic party offering and conversation starter. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh homemade butter

• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped (e.g., parsley, thyme, chives, or rosemary)

• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• Plastic wrap or silicone butter mold( Link to my favorite molds below)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the butter, herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.

2. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log. Alternatively, press the butter mixture into a silicone mold for decorative shapes.

3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.

4. Once set, remove the butter from the mold or plastic wrap and serve with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats.

Link to My favorite cute butter Molds- https://amzn.to/4gZuqgN

Making Memories, One Batch at a Time

In a world where convenience often takes precedence, there’s something incredibly grounding about making butter at home. It’s a reminder of simpler times, a connection to our roots, and an opportunity to slow down and savor the moment with loved ones.

Whether we’re spreading fresh butter on warm bread, gifting a jar to friends, or experimenting with new flavors, this tradition has become a cornerstone of our family life. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest activities can create the most profound connections.

If you’ve never tried making butter at home, I encourage you to give it a go. Who knows? You might just discover a new family tradition that’s as rich and satisfying as the butter itself.