I like butter.  I don’t like margarine (it’s just not natural).  Butter is expensive.  Butter does not spread.  Spreadable butter is even more expensive.

But I thought the only options were A) use margarine or B) spend lots of money on the spreadable butter.

I started researching all the different things I could do to get cheaper, spreadable butter.

I looked into Butter Bells, but shuddered at forking over $20 for even so cute a product as this.  While reading reviews and discussing the matter thoroughly with a friend, it was revealed to me that butter does not have to be refrigerated.

Yes, for long term storage, ease of measuring and cutting, and especially in hot weather, it is best to keep butter in the fridge.  But for the sole purpose of spreading onto fresh bread or toast, especially in the middle of the winter, it is perfectly allowable to keep a stick of butter on your counter (in a covered tray of course.)

And especially (that seems to be the word of the night) if your family goes through the butter like mine does.  Because we consume a pound of butter each week.

There.  I said it.  One family, four people, four sticks of butter per week.  That’s one stick per person per week.  And that equation includes an 11 month old so I’m afraid it might even be worse that that.

Anyway, at our current butter consumption rate, it is best to save the pennies wherever we can.  And I have found that forgoing the fancy schmancy Country Crock Spreadable Butter saves me money.