I decided to do this just for the fun of it. I am surprised how easy it was to make butter out of heavy cream. It took quite alot of whisking with the electric beaters. I just wondered what strong arms the women of long ago must have to have to beat this cream for a long time before it became butter. I supposed they had big families and everyone would have to take a turn beating it.
600ml heavy thickened cream (I used Bulla)
The cream must be cold. Since the climate in Singapore is hot (29 degrees C today), I had to put the cream in the freezer twice after whisking for 5 minute intervals. Alternatively, you can place the cream in a mixing bowl and place the mixing bowl over a larger bowl of ice cubes (or crushed ice). You can salt your butter or leave it unsalted. Spices like thyme, parsley or garlic may be added to small amounts, wrapped and kept in the fridge for use later.
I used an electric whisk to beat the cream and I whisked this cream for about 20 minutes to get butter.
At the start when you whisk, you will get to whipped cream stage, keep going for another ten minutes. If you are using a hand-held electric whisk and need to stop and rest, put your cream in the freezer (for 2 to 3 minutes). Don't leave it there too long. Then take out the cold cream and continue whisking. After another 5 minutes, you will notice that there is resistance and the consistency of the cream is changing, getting a bit grainy or lumpy.
Keep on going and in a matter of another few minutes longer, you will see separation of the milk fat from the milk liquids. This is a hallelujah moment.....you have achieved success. I beat it just a minute longer to get the fat fully lumped together.
The next thing you need to do is put it in a muslin cloth or sieve to press the buttermilk liquid out. Some people rinse their butter but I did not. You can choose to add salt to your butter now (or not). Portion off your butter and add garlic or parsley or spices to it, as prefered. I just keep my butter plain and add flavourings and spices when I am cooking or baking.
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