Thanksgiving traditionally kicks off the holiday shopping season with a bang. However, since many of us will be avoiding large crowds, big spending, and shopping centers this year, I expect the old tradition of homemade holiday gifts will make a comeback.
Recently, my wife was inspired by a project that one of our daughters had pursued: mastering the making of vanilla extract from scratch.
Anyone who bakes is aware of the high cost of good vanilla extract (especially as prices have risen in the last year). In years past, I traveled frequently to central Mexico and would purchase large quantities of excellent vanilla extract, but after retirement (and now with COVID travel restraints), this resource is not available.
The unique thing about homemade vanilla extract is it's a collaborative and hands-on gift.
Meaning, you as the gift-giver start the process of making it, then pass it on to the recipient to complete the infusion; which takes six months for maximum flavor.
It's the perfect homemade gift for culinary connoisseurs, homesteaders, DIY enthusiasts, foodies, bakers, or even homeschooling families who may enjoy the process as part of their science of home economics curriculum.
Here is the recipe that my wife Margaret and daughter Andrea have used with great success, that's sure to make a welcomed homemade holiday gift.
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Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
- 10 Madasgascar vanilla beans (available on Amazon)
- 16 ounces of vodka
Process:
- Select a glass container large enough to contain the materials listed above. It should have an airtight, sealable top.
- Place vanilla beans into glass container, pour vodka into container and seal. Beans may be broken in half if too long for container. Assure that beans are completely submerged. Store container in an area away from temperature and light extremes.
- Two times a week, shake container gently to disperse the dissolved essence from the beans into the solution.
- At the end of 6 months, strain the contents through a fine mesh strainer.
- Store vanilla extract in small bottles for kitchen use. Bottles and labels are available to enhance the appearance and ease of use.
- Beans may be used once more to produce another batch of extract. After that, it is recommended that they be discarded, as they would not produce the desired fullness of flavor.
Enjoy the rich, vanilla flavor that this finished product imparts to baked goods and other favorite dishes that are enhanced with vanilla.
Happy holidays!
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