Super simple "wood butter" recipe (aka spoon oil)

[xmas74]

Wood butter/spoon oil is used on wood cutting boards, wooden spoons, rolling pins, etc to moisturize and bring back the wood. Wood isn't supposed to be washed but I'd bet most of us do it. Follow the link below and the recipe is included.

http://www.creative-culinary.com/wood-butter-helps-renew-wood-utensils-and-bowls

At only two ingredients it's definitely worth a shot!

(I've cross-posted this in a couple of forums at the advice of another poster. Originally posted in Crafts but this also fits in a few forums. I'm not spamming-just posting what could be something worthwhile.)

[csziggy]

1. Too bad I didn't know about this before we gave away our old wooden bowl set

When we moved. In fact, I got rid of nearly all our wooden cooking stuff because I just couldn't keep them in good condition!

Now maybe I will invest in a couple of good cutting boards and a really good rolling pin! I know a local craftsman that makes beautiful ones, but I didn't want to buy good products that I would ruin.

Thank you!

[xmas74]

2. I found the link on one of my

refashioning blogs I read regularly. If you look at the pictures everything turned out quite nice-more than worth the price of the ingredients!

This also makes it worthwhile to pick up old wooden bowls and utensils at rummage sales and thrift shops, knowing that they can be restored.

[csziggy]

3. I saw the link in the Crafts group when you posted it

And saved the web page for future reference.

I was impressed at how great all the pieces looked with this finish! It would also be a great original food safe finish for wood counter tops.

I'm temped to strip my kitchen table with the bubbling acrylic finish and put this on it. I use that as my prep surface so I can sit while chopping. Even though I don't chop directly on the table top, it gets enough water to damage the varnish. This would be better and easier to reapply when needed!

[xmas74]

5. Better, easier

and definitely a safe option, compared to some on the market.

It really looks good and I'm ready to whip up a batch soon.

[csziggy]

7. I wonder if there is an easier way to melt the beeswax?

Last edited Fri Jan 6, 2012, 10:06 PM - Edit history (2)

Like can you microwave it? For instance, purists insist on using a double boiler to melt chocolate, but it is so much more efficient to microwave it in short bursts just until it begins to melt.

I'm off to do some internet research!

Edited to add: OK, this guy sells beeswax and beeswax candles and he microwaves the wax to make the candles.

He does not give real specific instructions and his camera work makes the Blair Witch Project look rock steady. And he has one of the messier workshops I have even seen!

And here is how to make your own lip balm with beeswax and other stuff - they microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each time until the material melts.

And it looks as though they shave or grate the beeswax - or buy it in a form like the beads you found.

Some of the recipes for lip balm heated petroleum jelly and beeswax together in the microwave without a problem. That should work with the beeswax and mineral oil so you don't have to heat them separately.

[xmas74]

8. I would think you'd be

able to melt it in the microwave. I've heard of people melting beeswax in the microwave to make candles, like you said. (Oh, and I agree about the melting chocolate-so much easier in the microwave if there's nothing added to it. Otherwise, I'm paranoid and want to use a double boiler.)

[csziggy]

9. See my updates

The lip balm videos (I only linked one but if you view on YouTube there are others on the side) show mixing petroleum jelly or various oils along with the beeswax. I would bet that you could safely mix the beeswax and the mineral oil and gradually heat them in the microwave.

[xmas74]

10. That is something I will definitely have to keep in mind.

It should make it easy clean up!

[csziggy]

11. The beekeeping guy keeps a 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup (or several) for melting beeswax in

Watching his video while vertiginous is very instructive in the practical aspects of dealing with beeswax.

I'd say a cheap grater could be useful to get the beeswax into smaller bits that would melt easier.

[xmas74]

12. I would grate it all down.

I have an inexpensive grater that I use anyway so it's not a big deal.

[csziggy]

14. Yeah, a cheap box grater, a glass measuring cup - both cost less than $5

If you shop around. Heck, you could probably find them at a thrift store for a buck each. Maybe even an old microwave if you're worried about your good one looking like the beekeeper guy's over - if I were going to do very much craft type use of a microwave, it would be worth it.

I'd rather microwave it than use a water bath method.

[xmas74]

17. I found a box grater a month ago at a thrift store

for a quarter. You can find glass containers for under a dollar too. And microwaves can be found for sometimes under $10, if you buy a huge old bulky one or one of the little ones with the dial.

[csziggy]

19. Yes, that is the route to go

Minimal investment, reusing equipment, and making the best use of time!

[xmas74]

21. The older I get,

the more I love charity shops, rummage sales, and thrift stores!

[csziggy]

22. I was raised shopping at thrift shops

We got most of the books on the school reading list from Goodwill. What clothes Mom did not sew for us most likely came from Goodwill or another thrift shop. With four kids, intermittent income, and intentions that we all would graduate from college (and we did), Mom and Dad scrimped and saved where they could.

Mom bought the couch that is still in her living room from a junk furniture shop. That couch was just a frame. Mom refinished the wood, put in new webbing, springs, padding and upholstery and it now looks like the expensive antique Regency era couches I see advertised for thousands on Ebay. It's probably that old, but it sure looked like junk when Mom bought it for $15!

It was just a way of life for them and I still check what the thrift shops have - or now Craigslist so I can shop without having to go from store to store. I've got a vintage Kitchen Aid mixer that I paid $40 for, chairs, tables, etc, that I bought used for very little money. Heck my current couch was bought off Craigslist, though it had been relatively recently reupholstered and I paid more than $15 for it.

[xmas74]

23. I think more and more will start shopping for used items once again.

Some people will always demand new but many of us now find that not only is used less expensive but the quality is often better than the new item.

[grasswire]

13. keep in mind that teak bowls and utensils from the 60s 70s can ..

....be highly collectible and worth a pretty penny on the retro market. Look for a maker's mark on the bottom.

[csziggy]

15. We had one nice set that was probably worth something

But those went long ago - I think to one of hubby's sisters. The ones we still had were cruder, but newer, and had no maker mark on them. I do wish I had kept the large bowl since it was great for letting bread rise. It's finish was completely gone and this wood butter would have been perfect for maintaining it.

Now I just use stainless steel stuff that in a pinch can be thrown in the dishwasher.

[xmas74]

16. Oh, yeah.

They are collectibles. I have some and I have no plans to part with them.

I just like the look and with the wood butter I now can go into a thrift store and buy more, even if they are in poor condition. If the price is right and they might be able to be conditioned it would be more than worthwhile for me, just for my own use.

[Lucinda]

4. Thanks for this. I already use mineral oil, but the beeswax would definitely

add to the durability. Thanks much!

[xmas74]

6. No problem.

I read all these blogs about refashioning clothing and reworking craft items. This was a link from another blog. I read it and thought it sounded like a great idea.

[Lucinda]

18. It is! I have quite a bit of wood in my kitchen. This will be tested soon!

[xmas74]

20. This makes me want to go to the nearest thrift store and pick up

some of the old wood bowls, just to see how much can really be saved.