Thawing Butter
Quick Cooking Tip
- If a recipe calls for softened butter and you only have a "hard-as-brick" stick still in the refrigerator or freezer, don't worry. Just unwrap and pop it into the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on DEFROST for 20 seconds. If necessary, microwave the butter a few more seconds, making sure it does not melt.
Alternate Similar Method
- Softening Butter or Margarine: Unwrap butter or margarine and place in a small non-metal dish. Microwave, uncovered, on 10-percent power, allowing about 30 seconds for two-tablespoons or 50 seconds to one minute for one-quarter cup of butter.
Yet Another Alternate Method
If a recipe calls for butter and yours is hard, you can grate it. The grated pieces blend in batter easily.
Note: If butter is inadvertently melted while softening, use it for another purpose, such as sauteing, or use it with vegetables or pasta. Soften a new stick of butter to use for the cookie dough.
See also:
Making Whipped Butter
Making Clarified Butter
