VANILLA EXTRACT
Why make vanilla extract when you can just buy it from the supermarket? With the price of vanilla constantly fluctuating, it’s very cost efficient to make your own. Plus, you can control the strength of its flavor.
You only need two things to make your own.
INGREDIENTS
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4–6 whole vanilla pods.
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1 cup 80% alcohol. I use vodka. It works very well with Bourbon and Rum.
HOW TO
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Slice the vanilla pods in half.
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Add the vanilla pods and alcohol to a jar
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Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using.
There are often two type of vanilla pods. Grade A & B. I have used both. Grade B is slightly better for making an extract.
You can also scrape the vanilla seeds out of the pods and mix with sugar for storage and you have vanilla sugar for cakes, drinks, dusting etc