Spoon Butter
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW AND VINTAGE WOODEN SPOON, AND BOWL COLLECTION. KEEP THEM HEALTHY AND HAPPY FOR YEARS OF SERVICE!
I’ve never met a vintage wooden spoon I didn’t like. I have a thing for them, it’s hard for me to pass them up at antique markets so every once in a while I treat myself and pick one up thats’ just to darn cute to leave behind or one that’s truly unique. Very small, slender spoons seem to be the ones I gravitate towards.
Over 20 years ago I started picking up large, hearty wooden spoons from an Amish man, he hand carved and shaped each piece and they came with a hefty price tag but I was willing to pay the price for his craftsmanship. The last time I purchased from him he told me it would be the last batch he’d be making, he was getting to old, and it was hard on his hands. I panicked and new I had to stock up, because they’d no longer be available.
Well I’m happy to say I still have all the Amish made spoons today, and use them often. I’d never have believed a well made spoon could last that long, but they have. I have a few tricks for keeping them in great shape and it’s well worth the time to care properly for wooden utensils. About once a month I use “spoon butter” on my spoons. It’s doesn’t take long, and it’s a rewarding task, and a time to reflect on memories of where each spoon came from.
Here’s a few tip:
- Don’t put your wooden utensils in the dishwasher. Wash by hand without letting them soak in water. Dry immediately.
- If they start to get little wood fuzzies (rough spots) sand with a very fine sandpaper until smooth again.
- Some foods will stain the wood, but it just adds character so enjoy it’s charm.
What you’ll need to make spoon butter:
- 2 oz. Food grade bees wax (I like the pellets, they melt faster)
- 6 oz. Oil – Sunflower, Coconut, Flaxseed, or Mineral
- small Mason Jar
- Water
- Sauce pan
Instructions:
- Place beeswax, and coconut oil in the small mason jar.
- Add water to saucepan, 1/3 full.
- Place mason jar in saucepan (make sure the water isn’t above the top of the jar) over medium heat.
- Once mixture is melted, stir with a wooden kabob stick untill it’s completely incorporated.
- Let mixture cool on countertop.
- Once cool slather your dry wooden spoons with butter, let sit overnight, buff remaining butter off in the morning. (Repeat process when wood becomes dry again).
Thats a good idea. I have several wooden spoons and rolling pins, & wooden kitchen boards etc.
I have a hardwood butcherblock island…but it has no finish on it . I was told to buy this stuff called CLAPHAM”S Beeswax salad bowl finish. So I apply that maybe every 2 months and you let it dry overnight and than buff in the morning. I bet yours does the same and is less expensive.
Dawn,
This is such a great idea. I have a couple of wooden spoons that were my grandmother’s. I don’t use them but they sit out in my kitchen on display. Never heard of conditioning the wood to keep it from drying out but it is only a logical idea. Come to think of it I also have spoons from England too that would benefit from a good rub down with this cream. Thanks for the recipe! Found you through Tried and True.
Maureen
Love that beautifully styled box of wooden spoons and boards!!!