Gadgets I Love - The Butter Bell

I decided I wanted to highlight some of my favourite kitchen gadgets and utensils.  Well, not all at once but every now and then I will write about something I really like in my Little Kitchen space.  Today's gadget of choice is the butter bell. When I first got this a couple of years ago, I had to wait until I was in the USA to find one!  I just couldn't find one anywhere North of the 49th parallel.  Luckily we made the drive to Minneappolis one February long weekend and I found one at the Outlet Mall! So many people go to the outlet malls for clothes...I go for the kitchen stores (and the Rockport store).

For those who may not know (I mean I only found out these things existed a couple of years ago),  a butter bell allows you to store butter at a nice spreadable room temperature without spoiling.  You fill the bottom crock with cool water so that it will seal out the air when you tip in the bell portion filled with room temperature butter.

Just remember to change the water every 4 or 5 days to help keep things fresh! (And keep the crumbs out of the butter as well)

I know margarine is better for you, blah, blah, blah...but we don't use too much butter in the first place, aside from baking and butter just plain tastes better.  All of you nutritionists out there just back off...we don`t use butter everyday so I don`t feel bad using it at all...a little pat is all you need!!
In case you were wanting to read some more info on the great butter vs margarine debate, here are a couple of links:

http://www.homemakers.com/health-and-nutrition/nutrition-and-diet/margarine-vs-butter-the-debate-continues/a/27133/1

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/butter-vs-margarine/AN00835

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002114.htm

The bottom line is neither margarine or butter is really all that good for you.  Which ever one you choose, use it in moderation.

Until next time, keep warm and eat well!