Help! What’s the Best Way to Soften Butter Without Melting?

Question: Many of the recipes I have call for softened butter. What would be the best way to quickly soften butter without it becoming a runny mess in the microwave? Sent by Alicia, CA

Editor: The quickest way to soften butter without completely melting it is by cutting it into small cubes spread out over a cutting board. If your butter comes right from the refrigerator and is very hard, you can use a grater over a bowl. The thin strips will soften very quickly at room temperature.

(Picture by Rebecca Siegel)