What Is The Viral Butter Candle And How To Make One?
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Social media has revolutionised the culinary world, fundamentally transforming how we discover, share, and experience food. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have become virtual food hubs where chefs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts showcase their creations. From visually stunning food photography to quick recipe videos, social media offers a feast for the eyes, inspiring culinary creativity globally.

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Moreover, social media has connected global food communities, transcending geographical boundaries. It's a platform for cultural exchange where individuals share and celebrate their unique culinary traditions. Even though TikTok is banned in India, this viral dish, butter candle, was able to reach every gadget through other available social media.

What is butter candle?

Butter candles, crafted from golden ghee or butter, bring a delightful twist to dining experiences. Akin to the warm glow they emit, indulging in these unique candles becomes a sensory journey. The soft flicker of the flame harmonises with the rich, buttery aroma, setting the stage for a feast of the senses. As you gather around, the act of savouring takes on a playful essence. Dipping bread into the liquid gold, with its warmth and velvety texture, becomes a delightful ritual. The joy is in the interactive experience—transforming a simple meal into a whimsical and delicious adventure, making every bite a celebration of flavour and fun.

Origin Of Butter Candles

The invention of butter candles is quite indefinite; however, it can be said that it is a modern experimental take on ancient Greece’s tallow candles. 

Tallow candles are candles made from tallow, which is a rendered form of animal fat, typically beef or mutton fat. Historically, tallow was a common ingredient in candlemaking before the widespread use of alternatives like paraffin wax or soy wax. Tallow candles have been used for centuries as a cost-effective and readily available source of lighting.

While they were once the primary choice due to their affordability, today, tallow candles are less common as preferences have shifted towards candles made from paraffin wax, etc.

Now, in this modern experimental world, butter is melted and given the shape of candles to give it a higher place in the aesthetics of the culinary world. The idea of butter candles came into existence after one video on TikTok went viral on a social media platform. The video had over a million views and later, this DIY became popular on other social platforms too, making it a trend.

From the savoury kick of garlic to the aromatic charm of rosemary, these candles redefine the art of dining. Imagine a thoughtfully curated snack board featuring an array of butter candles – garlic for robust depth, rosemary for a herbal twist, or perhaps a hint of zesty lemon. As these candles melt into savoury pools, they effortlessly elevate a simple loaf of bread into a gourmet masterpiece. With butter candles, snacking becomes a personalized and elevated experience, where every bite transforms into a celebration of distinct and delightful flavours.

Like compound butter, butter candles can be also of various kind. For example one can infuse rosemary to make rosemary butter candles, then minced garlic to make garlic butter candles. Butter is really a versatile ingredient and anyone can experiment with its flavours. 

Butter candles can accompany many dishes apart from a bread basket. A rosemary candle would be ideal on a grilled meat fish like today lamb, chicken, or pork. And garlic butter candles can be placed on a tandoori chicken. Butter candles can be made for desserts as well. Chocolate butter candle would be ideal for churros.

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How to Make Your Own Butter Candle?

Ingredient list:

  1. 1 stick of Butter 
  2. Food safe wick 
  3. 1 Heat-resistant container
  4. Essential Oil for flavouring (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the Container:

Clean and dry the container you'll use for the candle. Ensure it's heat-resistant. 

2. Cut and Place the Wick:

Cut the wick slightly taller than the container's height. Place the wick in the centre of the container.

3. Melt the Butter:

Gently heat the clarified butter in a pan or microwave until it turns into a clear liquid.

4. Optional: Add Essential Oils:

If desired, add a few drops of essential oil to the melted butter for fragrance. Stir well.

 5. Pour the Butter:

Carefully pour the melted butter into the prepared container, leaving about half an inch from the top.

6. Secure the Wick:

Ensure the wick remains centred. You can use a small stick or tape to hold it in place until the butter solidifies. 

7. Let it Solidify:

Allow the butter to cool and solidify completely. This may take a few hours.

8. Trim the Wick:

Once the butter has solidified, trim the wick to your desired length, leaving enough for easy lighting.

9. Decorate (Optional):

If you wish, you can decorate the container or tie a ribbon around it for added aesthetic appeal. You can even cut out a section from a loaf of bread and put in the butter candle later.

10. Light and Enjoy:

Light the butter candle and relish the gentle glow and soothing aroma it emits along with its taste.