A Butter Bell, is a kitchen utensil used to store and keep butter fresh and spreadable without refrigeration. It consists of two parts: a bell-shaped lid and a base. The butter is placed inside the bell-shaped lid, and the base is filled with water. When the lid is placed upside down into the base, the water creates an airtight seal, keeping the butter protected from air and light, which can cause it to spoil or become rancid.
How to use a Butter Bell:
Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before using a butter bell. You can do this by leaving the butter out at room temperature for a few hours or by using a butter dish to soften it gradually.
Clean the Butter Bell: Wash the butter bell thoroughly with warm, soapy water and dry it completely before use.
Pack the Lid: Pack the softened butter into the bell-shaped lid of the butter bell. Make sure to fill it completely, leaving no air gaps. You can use a butter knife or a spatula to smooth the surface.
Fill the Base with Water: Fill the base of the butter bell with clean, cold water. The water creates an airtight seal when the lid is placed upside down into the base, preventing air from reaching the butter.
Assemble the Butter Bell: Carefully place the lid upside down into the base, ensuring that it is submerged in the water. The water should form a seal around the lid, creating an airtight environment for the butter.
Store at Room Temperature: Store the butter bell at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The water seal protects the butter from spoilage, allowing it to remain fresh and spreadable for several days to a few weeks, depending on the ambient temperature.
Replace Water Regularly: It's essential to change the water in the base every few days, especially in warm weather, to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain the freshness of the butter.
Refill as Needed: As you use the butter, refill the bell-shaped lid with softened butter. The water seal will continue to protect the fresh butter inside.
Using a wheel-thrown butter bell provides a convenient and decorative way to store and serve butter without the need for refrigeration, ensuring you always have spreadable butter on hand.