No more half-melted mess—this method softens butter evenly every time.

Butter is a staple in many kitchens and makes countless meals, snacks and sweets taste better. Store-bought sticks and tubs are fine, but like many things in life, sometimes homemade is better.

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Homemade butter from "The Butter Book" by Anna Stockwell and published by Chronicle Books. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times ) How ...