Grocery
Sweet Cream Butter
What it is
This is a dairy product made from the cream of cow's milk. It is churned until the fat solids separate from the liquid buttermilk. The resulting butter is then typically washed and worked to achieve a smooth, consistent texture. It has a rich, creamy flavor and a pale yellow color. This butter is unsalted, allowing for greater control over the salt content in recipes.
How people cook with it
Sweet cream butter is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory cooking. Its fat content contributes to texture and flavor in baked goods and sauces.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Sautéing vegetables
- Making sauces and gravies
- Spreading on toast
When baking, butter is often creamed with sugar to incorporate air, which helps create a lighter texture. It can also be melted and added to batters or doughs. In savory dishes, it's used to sauté aromatics like onions and garlic, adding a depth of flavor. It can also be whisked into pan sauces to enrich their consistency and taste. For simple enjoyment, it can be softened and spread directly onto bread or rolls.
How it differs from similar foods
This sweet cream butter is unsalted, unlike salted butter which has salt added during production. Unsalted butter is preferred by many bakers as it allows for precise salt measurement in recipes, preventing over-salting. The 'sweet cream' designation refers to the fresh cream used, which is not soured before churning.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs utilize sweet cream butter for its flavor and functional properties in a wide range of culinary applications.
How to keep the rest
To keep the remaining butter fresh, store it in its original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator. If storing for an extended period, it can be frozen. Ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator or freezer.