Unlock the Secret to Soft, Spreadable Butter with These Tips on Using a Butter Bell® 

Butter is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, and we all know how frustrating it can be when it's hard and unspreadable. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem – a Butter Bell®. A butter bell is a simple, yet effective device that can help you unlock the secret to soft, spreadable butter. But what exactly is a butter bell, and how does it work? In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about using a butter bell to ensure your butter is always soft and ready to spread. From understanding how a butter bell works to learning some tips and tricks for using it effectively, we've got you covered. So, read on to discover the secret to perfect, spreadable butter every time! 

What is a Butter Bell and How Does It Work? 

A Butter Bell, also known as a butter crock or butter keeper, is a traditional French kitchen tool that has been used for centuries to keep butter fresh and spreadable. The L. Tremain Company took the French method of storing butter and improved upon it for American kitchens in 1995. The design of a butter bell is simple – it consists of two parts, a base and a lid. The base is filled with water, and the lid is filled with butter. When the lid is placed on the base, the water creates an airtight seal around the butter, which prevents it from spoiling and keeps it soft and spreadable. 

The way a butter bell works is by using the natural cooling properties of water to keep the butter fresh. When the butter is placed in the lid, it is submerged in water, which helps to regulate its temperature. This means that the butter stays at a constant temperature, which prevents it from melting or spoiling. As a result, the butter remains soft and spreadable for up to several weeks! 

Butter Bells, from the L. Tremain Company, come in a variety of designs and are made of durable new bone china. Butter Bells are a stylish addition to any kitchen. Now that we know what a butter bell is, let's explore the benefits of using one. 

Benefits of Using a Butter Bell 

The benefits of using a butter bell are numerous, and they go beyond just keeping your butter soft and spreadable. Here are some of the key benefits of using a butter bell in your kitchen: 

1. Keeps Butter Fresh 

One of the main benefits of using a butter bell is that it keeps butter fresh longer than using a butter dish. Because the butter is submerged in water, it is protected from air and light, two of the main causes of butter spoilage. This means that even if you leave your butter out on the counter for days, it will still be fresh and ready to use. 

2. No Need for Refrigeration 

Another benefit of using a butter bell is that it eliminates the need for refrigeration. Unlike regular butter dishes, which require you to keep the butter in the fridge, a butter bell can be left out on the counter without spoiling. This means that you can enjoy soft, spreadable butter at all times, without having to wait for it to come to room temperature.

3. Easy to Use 

Butter bells are incredibly easy to use. Simply fill the base with water, place the butter in the lid, and then place the lid on the base. That's it! The butter bell will do the rest, keeping your butter soft and spreadable without any effort on your part. 

4. Great for Entertaining

If you love to entertain, a butter bell is a must-have in your kitchen. Not only does it look elegant on any table, but it also ensures that your guests can enjoy soft, spreadable butter with their bread or crackers. Plus, with a butter bell, you don't have to worry about constantly replacing the butter, as it will stay fresh and ready to use for hours. 

Now that we've explored the benefits of using a butter bell, let's look at how to choose the right butter for your butter bell. 

Preparing Your Butter for the Butter Bell 

Before you can use your butter bell, you need to prepare your butter. Here's how to prepare your butter for your butter bell: 

1. Soften Your Butter 

To make sure that your butter is easy to work with, it's important to soften it first. You can do this by leaving one stick of butter out on the counter for 10-15 minutes. 

2. Fill the Base with Water

Next, fill the base of your butter bell with cold water. Pour 1/3 cup of cold water into the base of the crock 

3. Place the Butter in the Lid 

Now it's time to place your softened butter in the lid of the butter bell. Pack one stick (1/2 cup) of your softened butter firmly into the bell-shaped lid. Press out any air pockets 

4. Place the Lid on the Base 

Finally, it's time to place the lid on the base of the butter bell. Make sure that the lid is sitting flush with the base, and that the water is creating an airtight seal around the butter. 

Now that your butter is prepared and your butter bell is set up, it's time to start using it. To use the butter, simply lift the lid and spread the softened butter on your bread, toast, or cracker. 

Using and Maintaining Your Butter Bell

Using and maintaining your butter bell is easy and only takes a few minutes each day. Here's what you need to do:

1. Change the Water 

To keep your butter fresh, it's important to change the water in your butter bell every few days. Simply pour out the old water, give the base a quick rinse, and then refill the base with fresh, cold water.

2. Refill Your Butter as Needed 

As you use your butter, you may need to refill it from time to time. Simply soften some more butter, and then follow the steps above to prepare it for your butter bell. Make sure to use all the butter in the lid before adding new, fresh butter. Clean thoroughly with warm soapy water in between uses. Also, make sure the lid is completely dry before packing new butter into the lid. 

3. Don't Let Your Butter Get Too Warm

While a butter bell can keep your butter soft and spreadable, it's important not to let it get too warm. If your kitchen gets too hot, or if your butter bell is placed in direct sunlight, the butter can get too soft and drop into the water. 

Now that you know how to use and maintain your butter bell, let's look at some recipes that you can try with your butter bell. 

Recipes to Try with Your Butter Bell

Here are some delicious recipes that you can try using your butter bell: 

1. Herb Butter 

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or chives) 

- Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, herbs, salt, and pepper. 

2. Mix well until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. 

3. Place the butter in the lid of your butter bell. 

4. Place the lid in the base filled with water.

2. Garlic Butter 

Ingredients: 

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

- 2 cloves garlic, minced 

- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 

- Salt and pepper to taste 

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. 

2. Mix well until the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter. 

3. Place the butter in the lid of your butter bell. 

4. Place the lid in the base filled with water. 

3. Honey Butter 

Ingredients: 

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

- 1/4 cup honey 

- Pinch of salt 

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, honey, and salt. 

2. Mix well until the honey is evenly distributed throughout the butter. 

3. Place the butter in the lid of your butter bell. 

4. Place the lid in the base filled with water. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a Butter Bell is a simple yet effective device that can help you keep your butter fresh and spreadable. By understanding how a butter bell works, and following some simple tips for using and maintaining your butter bell, you can enjoy soft, spreadable butter at all times. Plus, with some delicious recipes to try, you'll find it's an essential kitchen tool that you'll love to use. So, go ahead and unlock the secret to soft, spreadable butter and get your Butter Bell today!