Debis Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipes

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT

Steps:

• Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise and scrape out the vanilla flecks inside. Add the flecks and the beans to the vodka in a glass jar with a fitted lid. Make sure the vanilla beans are submerged under the alcohol otherwise any exposed parts can become slimy and potentially ruin your extract. Place the extract in a dark, cool place, shaking occasionally for the first few weeks. The extract "can" be used in as little as 8 weeks but it won't have reached optimal potency. The extract gets better with age. For far better results use after 6 months and for optimal results wait 12 months.
• Once the extract is ready, place the funnel on the glass jars and fill them with the extract. If you like, to get even more flavor out of the beans as the extract ages, slice the used vanilla beans to fit the length of the jars and place about 2 pieces in the 2-ounce jars and 4 pieces in the 4-ounce jars. That way the extract will continue to "ripen" as it sits.Makes 1 cup or 8 ounces of premium vanilla extract*See blog post about how to reuse vanilla beans

HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

Steps:

• Place the vanilla beans in the bottle of vodka and seal. Store in a cool, dark area such as a kitchen cabinet for 3 weeks, shaking the bottle every week. Three weeks is the minimum, store it 6 months for the best flavor. After using, replace with more vodka. The same beans will continue to flavor the vanilla for up to a year.

HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

Steps:

• Split the vanilla beans lengthwise, leaving them attached at one end. Place them in a 10- to 12-ounce bottle and cover with the liquor. Put on the top and shake vigorously. Store at room temperature for 4 weeks to let the flavor develop and mature, shaking the bottle once a week. The extract will keep at room temperature in a dark place (like your cabinet) for up to 6 months.

HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans open lengthwise to expose the seeds. Tuck the beans in the jar or bottle and pour in the vodka. Close the jar, shake it a few times, and place it in a cool, dark space. Let the jar rest for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking it again once or twice a week. The mixture will get darker and darker over time. When the extract starts to run low, top it off with more vodka and shake again. Also, whenever you use a vanilla bean, don't hesitate to add it to the jar after you've used it. This will continue to "feed" your vanilla extract and it should keep forever. Vanilla Variations: Vanilla Sugar: Split 2 vanilla beans and scrape the seeds into an air-tight container with 3 cups granulated sugar. Cover the beans in sugar and tightly seal. Let the sugar sit for 2 weeks. Use just as you would use regular granulated sugar.
• Vanilla Almonds: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Beat the egg white with the vanilla extract, add the almonds and stir to coat. Combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon and combine with mixture. Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees F for 20 minutes. Remove and cool on wax paper and break into clusters.

NOT YOUR MOMMA'S VANILLA EXTRACT

Steps:

• Cut each vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife or scissors, leaving 1 inch uncut at each end of the bean. Place split beans into the bottom of a glass jar or bottle. Pour vodka over the beans to cover completely. Screw or fasten the lid on the jar and shake. Store, shaking the jar occasionally, in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months.