Softening butter

There are several ways to soften butter for use as a spread or to use in a recipe:

• Take the butter out of the refrigerator and leave at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before you plan to use it.
• Cut the butter into small pieces. If you are using the butter in a recipe, measure it out and cut in pieces to soften it quicker. You could also beat the butter with an electric mixer or place the butter between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper and pound with a mallet or rolling pin.
• Microwave 1 stick of butter for about 30 seconds on High or 60-90 seconds on Low. Check the butter every 10 to 15 seconds, as it is easy to inadvertently melt the butter. If you melt the butter it will not be suitable for a number of baking applications — use it for other cooking and sautéing applications that call for melted butter.
• Place butter on a plate and set the plate over a bowl of hot water.