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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: tp4tissue on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:25:55

Title: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:25:55
This is insanely difficult..

Why isn't there a microwave setting for it... (http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/1b38f9e2.gif)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:27:23
A thread on melting butter? I'm not sure what to say about that...  :))
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: inteli722 on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:27:32
This is insanely difficult..

Why isn't there a microwave setting for it...
Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/1b38f9e2.gif)


Because it's impossible.

you can't soften butter in a microwave. it's impossible.

</s>

In all seriousness, you can have quick butter that's half-melted, or you can have perfectly soft butter that takes ages.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:28:58
If it's right out of the fridge I do 10 seconds. Then check. Then 5. Then check. Then 5. Usually it requires all three times. It can sometimes backfire but that usually works.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:32:25
If it's right out of the fridge I do 10 seconds. Then check. Then 5. Then check. Then 5. Usually it requires all three times. It can sometimes backfire but that usually works.

Yea I was just doing this... But I cut it too thick.. so the bottom quarter was soft, but the top 3 quarter was still un-spreadable..

sigh...(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/7f5341cc.gif)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:55:17
OVEN. HOT. (like 150F) WAIT A FEW SECONDS.

Your butter is now soft. Good day.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: noisyturtle on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:56:49
Hold it between your soft buttery thighs for 10-15 minutes.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:56:54
Using the microwave and letting it come up to room temp yield very different results. I hate microwaved butter unless I want it totally melted


Trust me, I have a master in butterology
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 31 October 2013, 20:59:48
Relevant:

(http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/minor_differences5/butter1.png)
(http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/minor_differences5/butter2.png)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 31 October 2013, 21:02:46
theoatmeal....he needs to do a write up on keyboards
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Puddsy on Thu, 31 October 2013, 21:03:00
Relevant:

Show Image
(http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/minor_differences5/butter1.png)

Show Image
(http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/minor_differences5/butter2.png)


Butter does as butter pleases.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 01 November 2013, 03:29:13
Melt half of it and combine it in a blender with cold hard butter.

...

Oh, you wanted quick and easy. Sorry dude. :P
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: mauri on Fri, 01 November 2013, 03:31:18
I can't believe it's not butter
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: goobus on Fri, 01 November 2013, 04:31:00
Butterface :(
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Fri, 01 November 2013, 05:31:51
Best way to ensure soft butter is to give whoever left the dish empty a good scolding. I mean really lay into them. Hard butter is unacceptable. Many a slice of bread has fallen victim to the cancer that is hard butter!
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: mauri on Fri, 01 November 2013, 05:33:12
Best way to ensure soft butter is to give whoever left the dish empty a good scolding. I mean really lay into them. Hard butter is unacceptable. Many a slice of bread has fallen victim to the cancer that is hard butter!

people use actual butter on bread? watwatwat
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 05:55:47
You just have to learn it, put the butter in, 10 seconds, check, 10 seconds, check, and make sure you take it out of the paper as they usually have metal in.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 01 November 2013, 06:35:04
people use actual butter on bread? watwatwat
Yeah... I use health margarine bread-spread with omega-3 and very little trans-fats.
I see no real reason not to choose the healthier option if available. Taste is not a reason, really: Pure butter, made in a sanitized environment does not taste much. In the old days, real butter taste was produced by bacteria in butter,  so a lot of butter has actually got the flavour as an additive - and so does the healthier bread-spread.
I use real butter for cooking and baking, though.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 06:48:11
people use actual butter on bread? watwatwat
Yeah... I use health margarine bread-spread with omega-3 and very little trans-fats.
I see no real reason not to choose the healthier option if available. Taste is not a reason, really: Pure butter, made in a sanitized environment does not taste much. In the old days, real butter taste was produced by bacteria in butter,  so a lot of butter has actually got the flavour as an additive - and so does the healthier bread-spread.
I use real butter for cooking and baking, though.

margarine is evil ;)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 06:51:46
Not sure what dodgy butter you have in the states but over here, marg =/= butter

Butter is so much nicer.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: terran5992 on Fri, 01 November 2013, 06:59:27
I cant really tell the difference between them
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 07:01:26
Not sure what dodgy butter you have in the states but over here, marg =/= butter

Butter is so much nicer.

 :thumb:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2274747/At-truth-Butter-GOOD--margarine-chemical-gunk.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2274747/At-truth-Butter-GOOD--margarine-chemical-gunk.html)

Butter FTW!!!!

margarine is poo -> http://wellnessmama.com/2193/
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:13:38
Not sure what dodgy butter you have in the states but over here, marg =/= butter

Butter is so much nicer.

 :thumb:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2274747/At-truth-Butter-GOOD--margarine-chemical-gunk.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2274747/At-truth-Butter-GOOD--margarine-chemical-gunk.html)

Butter FTW!!!!

margarine is poo -> http://wellnessmama.com/2193/

Geez, I don't know what gunk they sell in UK, but I've never seen "safflower" based margarine, only rapeseed and sunflower seed. And she suggests storing butter at room temperature.. hmmmm....

That 2nd article is just so full of wrong... Rapeseed (Canola) is not an Omega 6 heavy oil, but a good source of Omega 3, in fact it contains mostly monounsaturated fats, where as both omega 3 and 6 are polyunsaturates and is in fact one of the healthiest types of fat / oil you can eat.

Not to mention her unsupported insinuation that it's all genetically modified and full of pesticide. Maybe in some parts of the world, but certainly not here in Finland.

I'm not necessarily saying all margarines are better than butter, but the best ones certainly have lower saturated fats and contain good amounts of Omega 3, which overall is better for your heart.

Real "quality reporting" over at the Daily Mail. Perhaps it's the Fox News of UK?

I actually use a hybrid margarine for spreading, butter for baking... Yum.

Of course, all things in moderation, just like with keyboards and keycaps, right?.... Right?
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:15:27
I've found the best way to melt butter is to leave it out for a few hours. But of course, we all tend to often forget to do that, so we end up in this situation. Life is so complicated...I'm not sure if there is any answer!
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:16:31
But doesn't proper salted butter do ok sitting out for a while?
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:19:26
I guess it does. I usually put my butter in the fridge overnight and take it out in the morning before I eat my breakfast.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:21:42
Daily Mail isn't the Fox of the UK, its the paper of the mentally challenged.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:23:00
I thought that the mentally challenged were too lazy to read the newspaper.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:23:15
Daily Mail isn't the Fox of the UK, its the paper of the mentally challenged.

People need to tell me these things before I post them as a source of information... :p
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:23:53
Sorry Spam, but yeah. Thought you knew  :))
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:25:40
Sorry Spam, but yeah. Thought you knew  :))

I just googled margarine is evil and that's what came up.... ::)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:26:41
Exactly...
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:28:24
Sorry Spam, but yeah. Thought you knew  :))

I just googled margarine is evil and that's what came up.... ::)

I wouldn't go as far as saying that margerine is evil, but it certainly does not taste nearly as good as butter.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:29:41
Sorry Spam, but yeah. Thought you knew  :))

I just googled margarine is evil and that's what came up.... ::)

I wouldn't go as far as saying that margerine is evil, but it certainly does not taste nearly as good as butter.

SALTED butter. Unsalted butter is slightly inferior to margarine taste-wise imo...
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Malphas on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:30:10
Just buy softer butter.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:31:13
Just buy softer butter.
I don't think you can buy different hardness' of butter.
[You can however buy spreadable butter]
But generally, don't store it at such a cold temperature.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:32:27
Sorry Spam, but yeah. Thought you knew  :))

I just googled margarine is evil and that's what came up.... ::)

I wouldn't go as far as saying that margerine is evil, but it certainly does not taste nearly as good as butter.

I greatly prefer land o' lakes butter on my toast versus country crock

oh and here's some 'other' info on margarine

http://mentalfloss.com/article/25638/surprisingly-interesting-history-margarine (http://mentalfloss.com/article/25638/surprisingly-interesting-history-margarine)

http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/butter.asp (http://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/butter.asp)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Oobly on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:33:08
Well, just found an interesting article on Daily Mail which almost flat out contradicts the other ones:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-499546/The-cooking-oils-make-healthy--dont.html

So... yeah...

Personally, I wouldn't leave it out more than a few days. Salt does help inhibit bacteria growth, as does keeping it covered, but any organic product kept at room temp will get "bad" after a while. I should probably mention here that I am very sensitive to "bad" dairy products. Even slightly "sweet" milk affects my stomach in the worst way, so... no offence meant, take it with a pinch of salt, etc..
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:36:02
Daily Mail, i think its the most sue'd paper in the UK.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:38:45
Just buy softer butter.

Butter with olive oil.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: MTManiac on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:39:03
what doesn't kill you makes you stronger
[attach=1]
or turns you into a...
(anyone know the movie?)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Malphas on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:41:15
Just buy softer butter.
I don't think you can buy different hardness' of butter.
[You can however buy spreadable butter]
But generally, don't store it at such a cold temperature.
You can. I don't mean butter/oil blends like Lurpack (although I like those personally). I mean products like this:

(http://www.kerrygold.com/images/sized/images/uploads/Softer_Tub_Final-604x401.png)

Butter with olive oil.

Yes. I use this, personally. Taste is virtually indistinguishable from 100% butter.

(http://www.ocado.com/catalog/images-hires/66827011_H.jpg?identifier=d3fa88b8a081356f91911e74ecf7e481)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 09:46:27
Oh okay :'(

Never seen those before.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: keymaster on Fri, 01 November 2013, 10:04:59
If there were ever a "zero" world problem, this would be it.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 10:07:05
If there were ever a "zero" world problem, this would be it.

But...but...what good is toast....without butter :eek:
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Tym on Fri, 01 November 2013, 10:29:59
If there were ever a "zero" world problem, this would be it.

But...but...what good is toast....without butter :eek:

Chocolate spread?  ;D
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 10:33:36
If there were ever a "zero" world problem, this would be it.

But...but...what good is toast....without butter :eek:

Chocolate spread?  ;D

nutella!
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: bueller on Fri, 01 November 2013, 11:00:21
This is such a random thread, I actually had a really good idea while making toast the other night. Put the toast in and while the elements are on hold the butter container upside down above the toaster for 10-15 seconds. Keep checking it to make sure you're not going to drip and keep it about 15-20cm above the toaster. Then you can scrape off a nice spreadable layer. Yenius!
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:08:52
I keep mine out on the counter in a butter bell
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kitchen/detailpages/legacy/ButterBell_AirtightSeal._V216752962_.jpg)
Keeps it nice for use and helps stop it getting gross in short time.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:12:05
I keep mine out on the counter in a butter bell
Show Image
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/kitchen/detailpages/legacy/ButterBell_AirtightSeal._V216752962_.jpg)

Keeps it nice for use and helps stop it getting gross in short time.

http://www.butterbell.com/

That's not even keyboard related but I desire to own one!
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:20:03
Does this not make the top layer of buttery all gross due to the water?
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: JPG on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:27:16
Replace butter with bacon. End of discussion.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:31:28
Watery bacon sounds even more gross.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:43:15
No it keeps the butter from getting all gross with molds. Butter is a dense fat, so the water really has no effect upon it.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: esoomenona on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:45:22
Hmm, I might have to buy one of those. But then, do I use butter often enough that it matters? Thoughts and considerations...
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: SpAmRaY on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:46:56
Hmm, I might have to buy one of those. But then, do I use butter often enough that it matters? Thoughts and considerations...

But if this allowed you to make better grilled cheese sandwiches or toast....you would eat more butter..........totally worth it.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 01 November 2013, 12:54:02
If you use a stick of butter a week, it's probably worth it to get a bell.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 01 November 2013, 15:08:43
If you use a stick of butter a week, it's probably worth it to get a bell.

how long can butter be stored in this thing without refrigeration.


I think I would eat 500% more butter if it were always ready to go...(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/063.gif)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sat, 02 November 2013, 01:28:45
I take regular butter, salted or unsalted, place it in a glass dish unrefrigerated in a cupboard for over a week or more easy with no spoiling what so ever and I've done that for 20+ years. I do 1/2 a pound at a time.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: noisyturtle on Sat, 02 November 2013, 01:47:48
Idk why everyone assumes butter's bad for you. It's one of the best sources for fatty acids and soluble vitamins you can find, HEALTHY fats. Margarine on the other hand is congealed chemical plop, and actually puts you at a much higher risk of cardiac problems. Just use butter sparingly, you can go through a stick a week and actually gain health benfits from it. Try using unprocessed butter sometimes and extra virgin olive oil other times, all other greases are pretty unhealthy for you.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 02 November 2013, 04:02:02
Idk why everyone assumes butter's bad for you. It's one of the best sources for fatty acids and soluble vitamins you can find, HEALTHY fats. Margarine on the other hand is congealed chemical plop, and actually puts you at a much higher risk of cardiac problems. Just use butter sparingly, you can go through a stick a week and actually gain health benfits from it. Try using unprocessed butter sometimes and extra virgin olive oil other times, all other greases are pretty unhealthy for you.

Totally Agree..

I just ordered one of the knock off butter bells off amazon... $8....  Very excited...(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/baa60776.gif)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Sat, 02 November 2013, 12:28:57
It should keep fine for about a week unsalted and maybe 2 week salted assuming you don't keep it hot and humid room temperature.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 02 November 2013, 13:37:23
It should keep fine for about a week unsalted and maybe 2 week salted assuming you don't keep it hot and humid room temperature.

what is considered "hot and humid" w/respect to non-refrigerated butter storage..
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: longweight on Sat, 02 November 2013, 13:58:35
Sorry Spam, but yeah. Thought you knew  :))

I just googled margarine is evil and that's what came up.... ::)

I wouldn't go as far as saying that margerine is evil, but it certainly does not taste nearly as good as butter.

SALTED butter. Unsalted butter is slightly inferior to margarine taste-wise imo...


Far better to have unsalted butter in the house for baking.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 02 November 2013, 14:04:04
It should keep fine for about a week unsalted and maybe 2 week salted assuming you don't keep it hot and humid room temperature.

what is considered "hot and humid" w/respect to non-refrigerated butter storage..

Normal room temperature is ~21C or ~70F.  Hot would be 80F+.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 02 November 2013, 14:06:53
It should keep fine for about a week unsalted and maybe 2 week salted assuming you don't keep it hot and humid room temperature.

what is considered "hot and humid" w/respect to non-refrigerated butter storage..

Normal room temperature is ~21C or ~70F.  Hot would be 80F+.

Ok, so the butter bell thing is definitely a requirement for summers right?
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 02 November 2013, 14:10:12
I personally like thinly shaved crispy cold fresh butter on toast, when I ever do eat it.  Was just commenting on the hot part.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Sat, 02 November 2013, 14:18:43
If hot and humid it will spoil faster since those conditions further encourage mold growths. If you start to notice that it's spoiling before you finish the most simple solution is to only put in a half stick or whatever based on your use so you're not wasting.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: tp4tissue on Sat, 02 November 2013, 14:46:07
If hot and humid it will spoil faster since those conditions further encourage mold growths. If you start to notice that it's spoiling before you finish the most simple solution is to only put in a half stick or whatever based on your use so you're not wasting.

fffffff.... This actually didn't occur to me at all... I didn't think about conserving butter one bit...

 I am ashamed....(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_015_orz-v2.gif)
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sun, 03 November 2013, 01:06:22
Yea summer butter is a major problem. Maybe I need that butter bell also.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: PointyFox on Sun, 03 November 2013, 01:47:43
Just stick it in the refrigerator.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sun, 03 November 2013, 01:16:24
Just stick it in the refrigerator.

But then we are right back to the hard butter problem! It is a wild and uncontrollable dairy product!!
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: PointyFox on Sun, 03 November 2013, 06:37:21
Just stick it in the refrigerator.

But then we are right back to the hard butter problem! It is a wild and uncontrollable dairy product!!

Get over it.
Title: Re: Quickly Soften butter
Post by: YoungMichael88 on Sun, 03 November 2013, 11:57:04
No way man hah