Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Works For Me: Butter Crock


It's Wednesday! Time to participate in Shannon's Works For Me Wednesday.


We love to have butter to spread on bread at the table or on toast. (Duh, who doesn't?) In the summer it tends to get too soft in the heat and spoil more quickly when left out on the counter. Kept in the fridge, it gets too firm for ease of spreading and tears the bread or toast. One day, at my brother in laws, we noticed they were using something called a butter crock. We have one now, too. They are fabulous! Before refridgeration was common, food was often kept fresh by putting it in stoneware crocks which were then submerged in cold water. The butter crock, or bell, as it is sometimes called, works the same way. The butter stays nice and spreadable and fresh for up to 30 days. And it is a lovely way to serve butter!

To find one, look here.

Works for me!

"Man has always decorated those objects related to the eating ritual. There is only one reason for this--to make the process of meal preparation and presentation more satisfying. No matter what your traditions or tastes, there is a real opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment in the selection and use of the containers in which you serve food and drink." -Alexandra Stoddard

26 comments:

  1. Love this idea, I'm a huge butter fan and have the same problem. If I put it in the fridge it gets way too hard to spread.

    Where did you get this one, if you don't mind me asking?

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  2. My MIL does this too and I love going to her house and having "the real thing."

    Sandra: She found hers at a flea market/antique market for a buck... quite the deal.

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  3. Sandra, I added a link where I found mine to the post. Shalee- that is a great deal and a funner way to buy one!

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  4. What a great idea...and cute too. Loved the quote as well. I am always looking for ways to make things prettier!

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  5. Great idea. Can I get one for Christmas? Just kidding. :)

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  6. This is GREAT!! I need to find one, and soon, since we are already into summer temps. here by the coast.

    Got any great ideas as to where to find one?

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  7. Oops! Thanks for the tips on where to get one. Should read before I type!!

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  8. I NEED this! I hate "butter substitutes" aka LARD. Please post where you can find this. My kids use about twice as much butter in the summer because most of it just slides off the knife onto their laps.

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  9. I am going to get this!!! It matches my kitchen to boot!

    Thanks Nettie!

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  10. Cool little crock!

    Is the picture from your house? if it is I am so impressed with the beautiful table.

    Still impressed if it's not, the crock is cool.

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  11. Fabulous idea, Nettie. Here in AZ, my butter literally melts right off our butter dish. I have been dealing with butter puddles for far too long! Thanks.

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  12. That is a GREAT idea. I've never heard of one before, but now I feel like I have to own one to get me through the Texas summer.

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  13. Great idea! You probably should have signed up for an Amazon Associated program before posting that link. LOL

    I just can't stand hard butter.

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  14. Butter is so much healthier than the substitutes, too.

    I'm loving this crock idea, but I'm confused about the lid. At the link it's pictured upside down on the table with the butter inside the lid? And the cool water is actually inside the body of the crock?

    Hey! If it works, I'm all over it!

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  15. We a big butter fans too! Great idea... thanks for the link!

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  16. I want one!!! I need this, I really do. I'll take the butter out and hubby will put it back and say "it'll go bad". NOW, I have the solution!! Thanks!

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  17. My husband loves butter but I'd given up on it because it got too hard in the fridge. We've found a 'butter spread' that we like, but...

    This sounds like a good idea to try. Thanks.

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  18. Nice! We also use butter, and we also have the same problems. I am seriously going to consider getting one of these.

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  19. Very cool. I wonder if they'll come back into the mainstream anytime soon.

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  20. Oh, I cannot thank you for this idea enough!!!

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  21. PERFECT. My husband loves butter, but the melting thing in summer - ewww. I'm getting one with my next Amazon diaper order! :)

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  22. Oooh. My mom would LOVE that! And that Alexandra Stoddard woman is one smart cookie!

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  23. I want one of these
    I love butter over margarine, and this would solve the problem.

    Thanks for the tip.

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  24. I can't remember when you posted this originally ... but it's been on my mind ever since I saw it. Our cow butter dish broke the other day (the head came clean off) ... so I came back to your blog - found the link ... and just ordered TEN (10!!) of these. One for me, and the rest to hand out as gifts. I have a feeling that they will be a big hit!!

    Thanks for sharing the idea! :)

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