Next, add your butter or margarine. As you can see from the picture, I am using one of these
synthetic spreads - "Utterly Butterly". Which you choose depends upon taste.
Whichever type you choose, it must be softened. You can do this by wrapping the required amount
in clingfilm and leaving it out on the kitchen counter for a while. If you are using a mixer, you
can be more tolerant about how soft the butter or margarine actually is. Most synthetic spreads
can be used straight from the fridge.
Now you should add your sugar. Don't be tempted to add extra sugar if you like it sweet, you can
do this later on.
The sugar is quite hard to see in the picture. It is responsible for the peculiar texture of the
butter lump.
Finally, add a pinch of salt.