The biggest mistake many home cooks make is the inability to know the difference between butter and margarine.
And the answer to this is very simple actually, so let's discuss it today!
The Difference?
Simple put: Butter is made with cream, and margarine is made from oils.
Why does this difference matter?
When baking especially, it's important to know the difference because butter adds the richness, flavor, and texture a baked good needs to make it good. While on the other hand, margarine, though it can work in some instances, will result in depleted flavor, and can cause an unwarranted spread or texture.
How to Pick The Right One
As I always say, it is vital that you are always prepared for your kitchen, a tactic often neglected by most home cooks, and even some chefs. A tactic I go into detail on when discussing the principles of cooking.
In doing so, you are aware of what is needed, as well as how it should be used in the kitchen.
My humble chef's opinion?
If you are baking, avoid brands like Blue Bonnet or Imperial. Personally, my entire life before I became a chef I had believed that Blue Bonnet was butter. Nope. It's a vegetable spread AKA, margarine.
Try to find European butters or French butters when baking. They richness and smoothness to dessert favorites that can't be matched.
I would also suggest paying very close attention to the packages when buying. It's easy to get caught up in the assumptions of what you may already believe to be one thing. So reading the packaging is key to choosing the right tool for the job.
Let me be clear:
I am in no way suggesting that you shouldn't use one over the other. But rather that you should know the difference between the two, and choose which one you want being informed of the difference.
When To Use
Butter and margarine both have their respects in the kitchen. The key is knowing when to use these to take full advantage of them.
When to use Butter:
- Potatoes
- Breads
- Steamed veggies
- Rice and Pasta Cooking
- Cookies
- Searing or Basting Meats, especially when making the perfect steak.
When to use Margarine:
- Searing or Basting Meats
- Pancake Making
- Stir-frying
- Breads
- Steamed veggies
- As a Butter Substitute (which is is purpose anyway)
There are many other ways you can use butter and margarine respectfully, these are just a few of them,
In Conclusion
Butter and margarine are commonly confused, but there is a big difference between the two.
Butter is more for the richness, and margarine is more for the non-decent elements of cooking.
Choosing the correct one depends on the job you need it do.
Both of them have their uses, but always feel free to use the one that works best for you in your kitchen!
I hope that this entry was helpful.
Watch my video on Common Kitchen Mistakes to get the full picture, and make the adjustments you need to flow better in the kitchen!
Until Next Time!
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