My daughter has been a little obsessed with “Little House on the Prairie” lately. She listens to Alexa read the books at night. She also asks me to read them during the day. Eventually, the questions started. Most recently, “Mom, how did they churn butter?” “Ummm, with a butter churn.” “What’s that?” “It’s like a wooden jar with a paddle and you just move it around and turn milk into butter.” I wish that I could show you the uncertain look on my face as I explained this to her.
Later that day, she said, “Mom, can we make butter?” “Sure.” I told her with uncertainty. My thoughts were “Uggg, what have I done?”
I went online to find out how to make butter. I have seen teachers do this before with students, so I knew it was possible, I just didn’t know how. What I found was so simple that I had to share it with you.
You just need whipping cream, a jar, and a lid. The first time that I made this, I did it without the salt. Without salt, the butter is a little bland. When I made the second batch, just the smallest pinch of salt made a very large difference. In our home, everyone preferred the butter with salt.
Since the first time that we tried it, we have made butter four times! Each time, it is hard to keep it in the fridge for long, because it is just SO good!
Have you made butter in a jar? I would love to know! Post your pictures on Instagram and tag me @teacher.laurens

Butter
Equipment
- jar with a lid
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
- Pour ½ cup of heavy whipping cream into a jar.
- Secure the lid to the jar.
- Shake vigorously for 15 minutes.
- Pour off the buttermilk
- Use the butter or store butter in the refrigerator.