Ahh, spring break. A preview to summer vacation that always makes me a bit nervous. It seems that in the months since I’ve sent my children to school I’ve forgotten the amount of extra energy I need when they are all around. I love the sounds of having them home, minus the occasional squabbles that break out over who-did-what-to-who. The pace they set to get through the day, feels neck breaking at times. This is the case for at least the first couple of days as they settle in to days without schedule. Slowly I see them start to unwind and slow to a pace more suitable.
Yesterday morning we moved a bit more slowly, snuggled a bit longer in our pjs. Mulled over our plans for the day with less urgency. I had made a list of things I wanted to try and do with the boys while they were off of school. We had only gotten to a couple of items on the list so I checked it again to see what else we might try to do. Halfway down the list was written, “make butter”. Upon seeing that I knew it would be the perfect activity for our day.
We were due for a produce run so while we were out we picked up some heavy whipping cream and were all set. If you’ve never made your own butter before I have to say it is the easiest thing I have ever done. We went the food processor route, but it can be done by shaking a jar for 5-10 minutes too. And the taste? Well, you’ll just have to try it for yourself to find out.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Fine sea salt
Instructions
- Whirl the whipping cream in a food processor until it separates into buttermilk and clumps of butter. Continue to process until the butter begins to form bigger clumps. This will take 2-3 minutes.
- Place a fine mesh stainer over a medium bowl. Pour butter/buttermilk into strainer and let drain. Squeeze the butter with your hands to extract the remaining buttermilk. Place the butter into a second bowl and stir in the sea salt to taste.
- Store butter and buttermilk in air tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Adding fresh chives or other herbs would be a great twist when making this too.
What a fun and easy way to get your kids involved!
It was fun Caroline, but my boys love just about anything we do in the kitchen. Especially, the taste testing!
You must love to have children around, I can see it in your pictures. So positive
Thanks Marta. I do love having children around. They keep things fun.
When I was a little boy growing up on the farm making butter was a weekly event. You Grandmother made butter from the cream, that was seprated from the milk. I can still see her patty the butter with her wooden spoon
Thanks Dad. I shared this with the boys too.
I am SO going to make this! Thanks for the idea!
Briana, you are welcome. Enjoy!
Alison,
Love your blog! Lesley & I can’t believe how much your kiddos have grown. It’s fun to see them in your pictures!
What brand/size is your food processor? I’m starting to research what kind to purchase. I’m wanting to make butter & peanut butter, etc, etc.
Thanks in advance!
Kris
Kris, I have a Kitchen Aid 7 cup food processor. I use it everyday and love it. They make a 13 cup as well…it’s on my wish list.