Martha Stewart Living, November 2004
When you're ready to bake, waiting for cold butter to soften can seem to take forever. Here's how to hurry the process along: Over a mixing bowl, shred the amount of butter you need on a grater. The little pieces will soften faster than a solid stick. In no time, the butter will be bake-worthy.
I just throw the butter in the microwave for 10 seconds and it's easier
I've tried this and it works beautifully. Especially when you have a husband who takes a wild hair and wants to bake his cakes and cookies on the spur of the moment.