If you are lucky enough to have a good windowsill in your kitchen, it makes a perfect place to keep your table butter once the weather gets cold. It stays cool, but spreadable.

I love this butter crock, which I purchased while vising the Red Wing Pottery factory awhile ago. (It is a worthwhile stop if you are ever in that area.) The crock is bigger and less breakable than many other butter dishes I tried for my family. It holds about three sticks of butter. Red Wing also makes butter bells or keepers, the kind that are turned upside down in water, but they are smaller and only hold one stick.

Red Wing Pottery is tough, zinc-glazed stoneware that is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. It dates back to the 1800’s and has become a classic in our region. They make many useful, heirloom-quality items so if you are still looking for gift ideas, check out their website.