Many recipes stipulate softened butter or margarine at room temperature.

If these ingredients are too cold or too hot they can have an adverse influence on the outcome of the recipe.

The following indicators can help you understand if butter or margarine is at the right temperature:

• You can bend a piece with your fingers.

• When you press down on the surface with your finger, it gives way without becoming deformed.

• There is no melted material externally.