Something I have noticed over the last few months is just how many things it is possible to make at home that I had never even thought you could! The best part is, you can make it yourself, and knowing that the shelf life is indefinite.How to make Homemade Vanilla Extract - all you need is vanilla pods, vodka and a glass jar - an easy and cost effective way to make your own delicious vanilla extract. Makes for a great gift, too, and not just for Christmas, but to anyone for any occasion. To me, this homemade vanilla extract tastes even better than the store bought stuff. So, dark bottles it is.Īnd that is how to make vanilla extract at home. Storing the extract in dark bottles keeps this from happening. Reason being is that light dries out vanilla beans. Which brings me to another interesting tidbit of vanilla extract information: I was curious why it’s always stored in dark bottles. Once fully infused, funnel into small dark bottles. Store in a darker place at room temperature for at least one month, until the vodka becomes vanilla extract. Starting with a clean jar, place vanilla beans inside, then pour in the entire fifth of vodka, covering the beans completely. You’ll need a large jar, 1.5 liters at least. Now that I have my two ingredients on hand, it was time to start infusing. Vanilla extract has an indefinite shelf life. Just keep adding more vodka and beans as needed, keeping the beans covered, and you’re good to go for the long haul. The beans can even be used in baking – slice down the center and scrape out the seeds. However, the best part is, is that once the extract is completely infused and bottled into individual bottles, you can just add more vodka to those original beans, and start the process all over again. To make homemade vanilla extract, it does require between 10-12 whole vanilla beans. Make sure you store in a darker place.Good things come to those who wait, and besides, it’s only a month. Also, do not skimp on the timeframe of the infusion process.High quality vanilla beans from Madagascar are a must.This is what the guy recommended from the liquor store, and it was a good one. It’s affordable and reliable for smooth flavor, etc. I used Smirnoff and it proved to be great. Here are a few of my notes when making vanilla extract at home: The photo above is only a day in, in the infusion process. After looking at several recipes, they all state the same two ingredients vodka and vanilla beans. Truth is, it’s not difficult at all to make. And, it needs to taste as good or even better than what I buy in the store. With all this buying and searching for vanilla extract deals, I thought to myself – why don’t I just make my own? How hard can it be? I’ve got to make this key ingredient work in our favor, cost-wise. Sometimes when I’m shopping the food section of Homegoods or Marshall’s, I’ll luck out and find a bottle or two at their discounted price. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not much, but you get my drift. And, since we seem to go through vanilla like salt through a goose around here, it gets tiring shelling out the dough. However, the caveat to this kind, is that it’s a bit on the expensive side. Some tasted too sugar-y, and some didn’t even taste like vanilla at all. You know me, I have done my taste testing. I prefer a certain kind of vanilla extract. Heck, I’ve even added vanilla to a chicken dish that seemed a little odd, but it worked. But, not just for baking we add it to custards, French toast mix, whipped cream and even meringue. Caroline is our baker in the house, and she’s always baking some cupcake, bar or cookie, all using vanilla extract. We go through a lot of vanilla extract around here. Making homemade vanilla is easier than you think! I’m sharing how to make vanilla extract at home, and it only requires two ingredients.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |