You are just about to make your recipe and you realize it calls for softened butter! Oh no! There’s no time! The microwave will cause over-softening! What to do? Cut the butter into pat-size pieces. Pour boiling water into a heatproof bowl, pour out the water, wipe the bowl dry. Now, invert the bowl to use as a cover for the butter. Leave for 5 minutes. The residual heat will soften the pieces gently but not melt them. You’ll be baking in no time.