When I was a Kindergarten teacher, we would make homemade butter as part of our Thanksgiving celebration. The kids loved it and took a real sense of pride in making something like butter, which we all take for granted normally! But I never thought about making your own butter from a frugal point of view.
Then the other day, Crystal from The Thrifty Mama posted about making her own butter. She noted that she was able to get the Horizon Organic Whipping Cream for $.88. That and a little salt (if desired) is all you need to make organic butter, and $.88 is a lot cheaper than most organic butter I have ever seen!
Here is how you can make your own butter:
- heavy whipping cream
- small amount of salt (if desired)
- Pour cream into a container with a tight seal. We used a jelly jar so the kids could see the cream change to butter as we went. If you are making a small amount, you can use recycled baby food jars (but put that lid on tight!). Whatever you use, just make sure it doesn't leak!
- Add salt if you are using it. You can also add honey or cinnamon or dill or whatever you want!
- Shake vigorously for 5 - 10 minutes. Ok, let's be real. Unless you are a gym rat, it might be more like 20. Ok let's be really real. You can do this in a blender or food processor, but that's cheating. If you're comfortable cheating, well, go for it. I, for one, am very comfortable cheating.
- There will be a watery substance that separates from the butter as it thickens. Get rid of it. I have always heard it is buttermilk, but whatever it is, it will spoil your butter right quick if you don't pour it out. You can even rinse the top of your butter with a little cold water after you dump the buttermilk for insurance.
- That's it! Keep in the fridge. There are no preservatives, so it doesn't last as long as store bought butter, so just make as much as you'll use in a few days.
This is not only a fun and extremely easy food project for the kids, but it's true -- it can be done on the cheap!
