Pot Butter

Made pot butter last nite from Volcano poo (ash). Had about 25 grams of finely ground volcano ash, and added it to 1.5 sticks of good, unsalted butter in a medium size pot. I then filled the pot 3/4 full of water, and set it on the burner at medium, stirring every couple of minutes. Bring pot to a simmer and reduce to low, simmering for 30 minutes uncovered, stirring regularly.

After 30 minutes of simmer, strain entire contents of pot through a flat bottom gold coffee filter (Jarden, Cuisinart makes them) into a bowl. Don't use disposable paper filters, you'll have a big mess. Put the bowl with the butter water mixture into the fridge overnight.

The next day, the butter and water will have separated, allowing you to remove the butter and discard the water and sludge.

There you go, voila, use your butter as you would in place of margarine or oil.

Some hints! Toss a shot of your favorite flavored liquor in the butter/water mix before simmering. The alcohol will cook out, leaving the flavor and aiding in the separation process.

Using another burner, sweat some onions, garlic and celery on low heat. The aromatics will cover the pot butter scent, and you can use this as a a basis for soup, stew, roast, etc.