Last week I started the process to make vanilla extract- I have never done it before so can't tell you how amazing it is yet, but from everything I have read it is suppose to be great.
I picked up some vanilla beans at Earth Fare.
They came in a pack of 4 for $8. I know you can get it cheaper online - and possibly even at the other organic grocery store in town. If I make it again I will be trying to find the most price efficient way to do it.
Paul picked up the Vodka for me - he can't quite remember what it cost, but thinks about $8. The vodka will make a ton of vanilla!
I started by cutting the vanilla beans down the center.
Then I placed them in a canning jar and added just over 4 ounces of vodka per bean.
I covered the jar and it is sitting in a dark spot for the next 8 weeks. I will test it after 8 weeks and may leave it longer since I added a bit more vodka than is recommended (you're suppose to add just 4oz per vanilla bean - I probably added about 5 oz.)
After just 5 days it is already considerably darker.
I think this would make an adorable gift for people packaged up in 4 oz jars!
I am going to have to be on the lookout for smaller jars.
Sharing on Tasty Tuesday
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5 comments:
Oh how cool! I'll be excited to see how they turn out!
Cxx
Can't wait to hear how it is. If it is good I would like to give it a try. So glad that Blaine was helpful with the closet. He loves to help people so you guys call any time. He has shared with me that he is willing to help with any projects you might have. I think it makes him feel like a better friend. Jackie
Hi,
I found you on Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and just had to comment on your vanilla. I have made home made vanilla for years and the longer you age it the better it gets. What I do is put my vanilla beans directly into the liquor bottle, date the bottle and then leave it on the bottom shelf of my pantry. I usually never use it until it has aged for at least 3 months; we bake a lot so I always have plenty on hand (my oldest bottle is dated 2005).
In the past my local health store sold vanilla beans at a good price but when they went up in price I began buying the beans on ebay.
Good luck on your vanilla adventure; once you begin using your own vanilla you wont go back to store vanilla!
What a great idea. I'm definitely going to have to try this one. We bake around here...a lot, and go through tons of overpriced, store-bought vanilla extract. This looks worth the wait, too! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
Cool, I'm gonna have to try this too.
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