Where and how do you store butter?

[diamond]

Sorry it may seem like a silly question to ask, but whe and how do you store your butter. We didn't grow up eating it so no idea here. I want to start incorporating it in our food so want it ready to go. I realized the sticks in the fridge are a pain as they are hard and can't be used right away on bread etc... So I put a stick on the counter but it stuck to the paper and was hard to open the paper etc..with it sticking to all my hands. So any ideas to help me out. Ty

[Kymberley]

I have a glass bowl with a locking, air-tight lid that sits on the counter. It holds a 1lb block of butter perfectly. We get out butter blocks at Sams, in a pack of 4. The three not in use stay in the frige until the one on the counter is used up.

[diamond]

Can you please post a link or pictures please. Ty

[Kymberley]

Sure thing! The bowl I use is from Glasslock (I think): http://www.amazon.com/Glasslock-Snapware-Tempered-Storage-Containers/dp/B008TZ2W5O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361847393&sr=8-1&keywords=Glasslock It's one of the rectangular ones.

DH got a set from Sams a few years ago, and one of the containers is the perfect size. I like that it is airtight. I've also looked at one of these because it's prettier: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005IZSAYA/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A11P2T12NBYM0F But I'm cheap, so I'll stick with what I have for now.

[alootikki]

Kymberley, do you also keep butter out of the refrigerator during summer/warm months? In winter months, the butter barely softens when out on my counter, but I worry about it spoiling in the summer. We've stopped using "spreadable buttery blends", so would love to have softened butter ready to go!

[KLD313]

I keep mine in a butter boat all year long. There's water in one part and then another part sits in that and you put the butter in it.

[TxCat]

I keep it in the fridge, and try to take it out 15 minutes before dinner time or lunch time to soften it up. If I forget, I just cut off what I think I need, put it in a small Pyrex custard cup, and microwave on low-medium just until it's soft.

[Kymberley]

Kymberley, do you also keep butter out of the refrigerator during summer/warm months? In winter months, the butter barely softens when out on my counter, but I worry about it spoiling in the summer. We've stopped using "spreadable buttery blends", so would love to have softened butter ready to go!

I just started doing it around the beginning of Autumn, but I will definitely keep it out all year. Our kitchen gets full sun in the afternoon/evenings, so it gets quite warm at times. The butter has been great to have on hand. Also, I would not store UNsalted butter this way. It will go rancid.

[wencit]

I keep one stick each of unsalted and salted butter in the fridge. The rest, bought in bulk from Costco, gets stored in the freezer. We rarely use butter as a spread, mostly for cooking purposes only, so I don't need it softened. Pretty much the only time I want softened butter is for spreading on the kids' toast or English muffins, and I just let the heat of the bread melt the butter.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Unsalted for baking and cooking is in the fridge.

Salted for spreading on toast...is always at room temp on my counter, usually uncovered to boot. Salt is a preservative and our butter has always been fine.

[wellyes]

A glass butter dish with a lid is less than $5 at Walmart or similar stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Hocking-Presence-Glass-Butter/dp/B001B37D4Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1361850253&sr=1-1&keywords=glass+butter+dish

I use a lid sometimes, but if you forget the lid, it's still fine. I leave it out year round. I've never had butter spoil at room temp in my whole life.

I have a few backup sticks in the fridge.
If you shop somewhere like Costco or BJ's, you can buy sticks in bulk, they freeze fine.

[JElaineB]

I keep salted butter in a regular butter dish on the counter.

[daniele_ut]

A glass butter dish with a lid is less than $5 at Walmart or similar stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Anchor-Hocking-Presence-Glass-Butter/dp/B001B37D4Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1361850253&sr=1-1&keywords=glass+butter+dish

I use a lid sometimes, but if you forget the lid, it's still fine. I leave it out year round. I've never had butter spoil at room temp in my whole life.

I have a few backup sticks in the fridge.
If you shop somewhere like Costco or BJ's, you can buy sticks in bulk, they freeze fine.

:yeahthat: I have a similar glass butter dish sitting on the counter, a few sticks in the fridge for baking and the other 3 boxes in the freezer. I buy 4lbs at a time from Costco.

[pomegranate]

I always store my butter in the fridge, but these butter bells seem interesting if you want soft, spreadable butter:
http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-681429/L.-Tremain-Antique-White-Butter-Bell

[YouAreTheFocus]

I always store my butter in the fridge, but these butter bells seem interesting if you want soft, spreadable butter:
http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-681429/L.-Tremain-Antique-White-Butter-Bell

We have one like this, works great! We use it with salted or unsalted.

http://www.amazon.com/Butter-Bell-Crock-Matte-Ivory/dp/B000H47H0A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361866894&sr=8-2&keywords=butter+bell

[markj1]

Few people realise how easy it is to make butter at home - you don't even need any special equipment. There are also dozens of flavours you can add

[infomama]

we just got a butter bell but before that I kept it in a covered dish on the table.

[MommyAllison]

:yeahthat: I have a similar glass butter dish sitting on the counter, a few sticks in the fridge for baking and the other 3 boxes in the freezer. I buy 4lbs at a time from Costco.

This exactly.

[hillview]

in the fridge. If we are going to use it at the table (rare) I try to remember to take it out before I start cooking.