Vanilla extract, first developed by the Aztecs and valued by royalty, is one of the most tantalizing aromas that can fill a kitchen. Today Madagascar supplies 70% of the vanilla used internationally. It doesn't take a trip to an exotic place to experiment with freshly made vanilla. Try making it yourself from real vanilla beans.
Instructions
1. Buy your vanilla beans from a health food store, a specialty grocery store or from online suppliers (for the best price). In stores, vanilla beans are packaged in small, plastic cylinders. Tahitian and Bourbon vanilla beans are best. Keep your beans cool and moist before using.
2. Select alcohol for your vanilla extract project. Vodka is most often used. Its flavorless quality produces the most natural vanilla flavor. Brandy or rum will provide variations on the flavor. Homemade vanilla extract can be based upon either a pint or quart (liter) of alcohol.
3. Cut the vanilla beans lengthwise with a knife to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the end, leaving the split bean intact at the bottom. Insert the split beans into the alcohol. For fuller flavor, the seeds and pulp can also be scraped out and included in the jar with the pods
4. Use three vanilla beans per one pint of alcohol, or six beans for a quart or liter. As vanilla is used, more alcohol can be added to the bottle. Beans can be reused indefinitely to flavor numerous bottles of extract. Some people use theirs for years.
5. Place your alcohol and bean mixture in clear jars with a screw lid. This will allow you to watch the deepening of color as the vanilla extract ages.
6. Store the jar in a cool, dark place (a cabinet or closet) for at least two months before using. Shake the jar twice a week. The flavor will intensify the longer it stands. An aging process of four to six months and longer is ideal.
7. Surprise friends and family with gifts of your homemade vanilla. Drain the vanilla through cheese cloth or a coffee filter and pour into small brown bottles. Include one vanilla bean in each bottle to keep the flavor strong. To complete a gift basket, add other vanilla items--baked goods, coffee beans, candles, lotions or soaps.
Tags: vanilla beans, before using, quart liter, vanilla extract, vanilla used, your vanilla