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Make
Your Own Vanilla Extract
by Sandy Shields
Homemade Vanilla Extract tastes much better than
store-bought, and it is very easy to make at home.
I have heard that the imitation vanilla that is sold in our supermarkets is
nothing more than a by-product from petroleum companies. Instead of being
disposed of, it is sold to the food industry for consumption. I do not know if
this is true, but it just gives me one more reason to make my own.
Making
real vanilla is fun and easy. The only ingredients needed are vanilla beans and
alcohol. I have several recipes for making vanilla, and each one calls for a
different type of alcohol, and varying amounts of vanilla bean.
For a strong extract, use a high proof of alcohol and scrape the seeds from the
bean. For a weaker extract, use a lesser proof of alcohol and soak beans intact.
Here are a three different methods for making your extract:
1. Place one vanilla bean into a pint of vodka. Shake daily for two weeks.
*Strain if desired, and bottle for storage.
2. Scrape the seeds from three vanilla beans and place them into a bottle of
dark rum. Place the pods in the rum as well. Let sit for three weeks, shaking
occasionally.
*Strain if desired, and bottle for storage.
3. Place 1/2 cup vodka or white tequila into small saucepan, and heat until it
smokes but isn't boiling. Break 2 vanilla beans into pieces and place into
bottle or jar. Pour the alcohol into the bottle and cover tightly. Let sit for a
week, shaking frequently.
*Strain if desired, and bottle for storage.
*Use a very fine strainer, coffee filter, or paper towel to strain.
HINT: To save money, you can grow your own vanilla orchids and collect
the seed pods, or reuse the vanilla bean(s) for another batch of extract.
___________________________________
Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of
TheFrugalShopper.com.
She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the
same. Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and frugal
tips. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright ©
TheFrugalShopper.com
1999-2003.
If
you'd like to submit your own article
click
here!
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