Planning to bake for the holiday? Want to give a gift to a friend who bakes that will be appreciated? Then craft a homemade vanilla extract. We cover how to do this along with other special techniques and recipes in our book Herbs R Easy – Infusion. But we are sharing the steps here so you can make a special gift or for yourself to use this season. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to set up, so I made this an early recipe, so you have time to concoct it and gift it ready to use.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
3 to 4 beans split in half lengthwise
8 oz vodka
Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Place seed and beans in a 1-pint mason jar and cover with vodka. Allow to meld in a cool dark place for 3 to 4 weeks. The longer you wait the darker the vanilla will become. I rebottle with a piece of vanilla bean, I do not always strain out the seeds, use your discretion.
Homemade Mint Extract
1 cup spearmint leaves, stems removed (or other mint leaves)
12 oz vodka
Lightly crush or macerate the leaves in a pint jar and then pour over the vodka. Fit with a tight lid and shake. Allow to meld in a cool dark place for up to 4 weeks. Strain and rebottle with a fresh leaf.
These take 2 to 4 weeks to set up so I made this an early recipe so you have time to concoct it and gift it ready to use. You use a homemade extract in the same proportions you would any other extract in cooking or baking recipes.
COMEBACK TOMORROW for a Crock Pot Soup Recipe
