Solving the hard butter problem

Sonia from Parkvale

I used to keep my butter (in winter) in a container on top of my hot water cylinder, and it was the perfect temperature but we recently changed to gas hot water, so no cylinder now. So I was back to microwaving and crossing fingers it didn't over melt, which is touch and go at best. BUT HOORAY, I bought a butter croc (butterbell) from total food equipment $50, and it's AMAZING. You fill the top with butter, the bottom with water, and it keeps it spreadable. It's not warm water or anything like that, so it's not relying on that, I suppose the water stops it from getting colder (than the water). You change the water once a week. There are three of us, the butter lasts about 3/4 days before we run out. Half a cup I think. Just for toast or sandwiches. I think it's amazing, much better than paying a fortune for semi soft butter or mixing it with oil. Would make a great present for someone. AND just incase we all didn't already know what a rip off "Fishpond" are, they are selling my exact same one for $73!