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Quick Dinner Ideas and Kitchen Shortcuts

Illustration of how to soften butter

Olivier Kugler Page 28 of 91

Kitchen Tricks and Tips From Our Expert Cooks

Softening Butter Quickly

Forgot to take the sticks out of the refrigerator in advance? Here are two ways to speed the process along.

Fast: Cut the sticks into pieces and set out on a counter. In 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll be good to go.

Faster: Microwave the pieces on low in 20-second intervals, checking in between. The butter is ready when it’s malleable but not mushy.

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