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Homemade vanilla extract made it extra yummy

post #1 of 121
1/6/11 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 
Food for thought...

I recently discovered the joys of making my own vanilla extract. I found the recipe online, ordered some vanilla beans on eBay, and 6 months later I had a beautifully fragrant vanilla extract ready for all my baking needs. I also saved a ton of money over store bought extract.

I ordered a 1/2 pound of Madagascar beans and it came with 10 free Tahitian beans. I made separate batches so I could see the difference in the flavors. I LOVE them both, but they are completely different.

Yesterday I mixed the Tahitian extract into a batch of IndyDebi's buttercream and I was in heaven. The Tahitian extract is a softer, more floral scent and it made the buttercream feel lighter and creamier. I am in love with that buttercream recipe again! I really didn't think that the extract made that big of a difference but it really does. I will not be switching back to the store bought stuff ever again!
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post #2 of 121
1/6/11 at 4:11pm
I love homemade vanilla......... thumbs_up.gif
Move It Or Lose It Sister!!
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Move It Or Lose It Sister!!
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post #3 of 121
1/6/11 at 4:12pm
Excellant -
Isn't it great when you make your own - i love it.
And the stronger you want it the more beans you can add.
Did you use Vodka?

Its also great to make up and then pour into little bottles and give away as gifts...........with a fresh split VB in each bottle.

Yes, you sure can notice the difference in taste from the store bought can't you?

Welcome to the Home Made Vanilla Bean Club thumbs_up.gif


Bluehue icon_smile.gif
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post #4 of 121
1/6/11 at 4:14pm
would either of you share this wonderful recipe you're talking about? reading your posts made me hungry!! sounds yummy and fun, too!
thanks for sharing~
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post #5 of 121
1/6/11 at 5:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetjan

would either of you share this wonderful recipe you're talking about? reading your posts made me hungry!! sounds yummy and fun, too!
thanks for sharing~



I split 10 Vanilla Beans and put them in a 500mil bottle of Vodka
Give a good Shake.
Then pop in the bottom of my pantry for 5-6 months.
Taking it out every month to give a good shake.

I just sterlize my bottle first - thumbs_up.gif
Truely - its that easy.

You can add as many or as few VB's as you like.


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post #6 of 121
1/6/11 at 5:24pm
Sorry - forgot to add....


Some people prefer Brandy - but i prefer to use Vodka.

I save my Brandy for my Fruits Cakes..................... and us icon_wink.gificon_lol.gif


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post #7 of 121
1/6/11 at 5:54pm
We told you gals a long time ago, right here on CC, about the merits of homemade vanilla. Glad to find out we were right. LOL!

I use Ina Garten's recipe.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/vanilla-extract-recipe/index.html

Theresa icon_smile.gif
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post #8 of 121
1/6/11 at 6:00pm
Thanks for sharing this info!! I've never made my own but wow if its that easy what am I waiting for??? Question.....what kinda vodka?? Like the good good stuff or just anything??
"You have to stop the Q-Tip when there's resistance." Chandler Bing
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"You have to stop the Q-Tip when there's resistance." Chandler Bing
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post #9 of 121
1/6/11 at 6:03pm
I actually ordered 8 oz. bottles from sunburst bottle company and I made vanilla extract for christmas presents this year. I used 4 Tahitian beans per bottle, and filled with a decent vodka. I put them up for two months and put a decorative note with instructions on what to do with it (keep in dark dry place, shake, etc.) and when extract is gone, to bury the VB in sugar for a week or so, stirring often, to make VB Sugar. It was a hit!! I saved 12 of them for my personal use!! LOL
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post #10 of 121
1/6/11 at 6:09pm
Never thought of this, thanks for sharing!
www.cakesbykim.net
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www.cakesbykim.net
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post #11 of 121
1/6/11 at 6:12pm
me too, this sounds so easy, why haven't we all been doing it?!
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post #12 of 121
1/6/11 at 6:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by simplysouthern

Thanks for sharing this info!! I've never made my own but wow if its that easy what am I waiting for??? Question.....what kinda vodka?? Like the good good stuff or just anything??



Regular vanilla extract, that you buy in the store, is about 35% alcohol, so you can go with a 70 proof vodka, very inexpensive, if you can find it. You can buy any brand of vodka you want. I use Smirnoff 90 proof, which is about 45% alcohol. I keep the good vodka for my screwdrivers.

Theresa icon_smile.gif
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post #13 of 121
1/6/11 at 6:47pm
Where do you get your vanilla beans?
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post #14 of 121
1/6/11 at 9:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by crp7

Where do you get your vanilla beans?




You can buy them online - in bulk - or just browse in your local supermarket.

Bluehue. icon_smile.gif
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post #15 of 121
1/6/11 at 9:41pm
Thanks Teresa!!
"You have to stop the Q-Tip when there's resistance." Chandler Bing
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"You have to stop the Q-Tip when there's resistance." Chandler Bing
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