How To Make Homemade Butter & Buttermilk

Making your own butter is actually quite simple! All you need is one ingredient and either a food processor, stand mixer, blender, or you can use a glass jar, although the latter requires about twenty to thirty minutes of shaking by hand but it would be a great project to involve your kids in. Have them roll the jar back and forth to each other which will be fun for them and even easier for you!!

The one and only ingredient that you will need to make your own butter & buttermilk is.....HEAVY CREAM! Yes, that is it! I told you that it was simple. My hubs even questioned the simplicity of it when I told him about it so he googled it to see for himself!! I used a small food processor and one pint of heavy cream (I split this up into two batches.)

First, pour the cream into processor and blend on high for two minutes. You can see the cream separating into buttermilk and curds in the next picture.  

Next, pour off the liquid into a glass jar. This is your buttermilk! We made Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes with ours and they were delish! (Recipe to be posted soon!)

Add 1/8th cup of ice water, replace lid, and pulse four times. Pour out the liquid. Repeat this step once more or until liquid is clear. This is called the 'rinsing' process.  

Strain out all of the liquid using a strainer and cheesecloth. 

Add a pinch of salt or flavorings such as chives, garlic, thyme, etc. if desired. Wrap in wax paper / plastic wrap, roll into a log shape, and refrigerate until firm. 

I got approximately 8 ounces (2 sticks) of butter and 8 ounces of buttermilk from one pint of heavy cream which works out to be a $0.60 savings.  

Trying out our fresh butter on some homemade rolls. (He couldn't wait to bite into his!!!) 

What are your thoughts?! Have you made butter before or are you considering giving it a try now? Go for it!!

Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

Why buy dog treats when you can make them yourself?! Not only are they less expensive to make and super easy, they are also healthy and you know exactly what you are feeding your dog!

HEALTHY HOMEMADE DOG TREATS

Prep Time:  15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes


INGREDIENTS (makes approximately 3 dozen treats)

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup wheat germ 
1/2 cup ground flax seed
3 eggs & shells* (optional)
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup water
3/4 cup applesauce
3/4 cup pumpkin puree 


INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside. 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, wheat germ, and flax seed. Set aside.

• In another mixing bowl, combine honey, eggs, oil, water, applesauce, and pumpkin puree until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients and stir until mixed well.

• Form into a disc and roll out on a well floured surface until about 1/4" thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place on prepared baking sheet about 1" apart. 

• Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until treats are very brown and hard. 

• Let cool completely before giving them to your pooch to try out. Store in an airtight container out of reach from your puppy or in your freezer for up to 2 months. Microwave treat for about 6-10 seconds to soften. 

*Egg shells are an excellent source of calcium and protein for your pet. For strong bones and teeth, crush the eggshell and add to your homemade treats or dog food. 

We made some regular size treats and some small letter shaped treats for our puppy, Brandon and my sister's puppy, Nala as well! They both LOVED them!!

Do you make homemade treats for your pets?!