Homemade Vanilla Extract
6 vanilla beans
2 cups vodka
Put vanilla beans in a bottle and cover with vodka. Put bottle in a dark cupboard and allow to sit at least one month.
Replenish extract by topping up with vodka and adding more beans as needed.
Come to think of it, couldn't homemade vanilla extract double as vanilla vodka? Both have the same two ingredients. And does it count as drinking if what you are drinking is extract? I vote no.
At March 12, 2008 at 5:13 p.m.,
Be SURE to keep them in the fridge in a ziplock bag - better yet, make that two (a bag inna bag).
That way they'll keep plump, and full of moist seeds for ages and won't stink up your fridge with their ripe aromas nor take on any of the fridges.
Also, it's totally worth it to take one or two and put it in a sealed container with some sugar (a quart mason jar or plastic bulk container will do). Fill it up with white or raw sugar and bury the beans inside. Wait two weeks (to a month), open the lid, sniff, die of joy.
You can still use the vanilla beans after that in custard or whatnot but they'll be a little bit dried out.
Use the sugar on your cereal, in your baking, in your coffee, on top of creme brulee, on toast with or without cinnamon added. Just you wait!
I am actually jealous. It's been years since I was a pastry chef with access to such delights.
Enjoy lots and don't forget to post about your vanilla usings.
:O)
XXKHT
http://www.artiface.typepad.com
At March 18, 2008 at 1:15 a.m.,
That's cuz they want you to buy more of them.
Fridge for sure. They'll stay fresher longer.
Every professional kitchen I've worked in has kept them refrigerated. Just make sure they're wrapped extra well - two ziplocks rolled up to get the air out works great. (air is not their friend)
Good luck, and don't forget to try the sugar.
XXKHT
Thanks so much for the link! Obviously my vote is for the risotto. I thought the exact same thing as you did when you mentioned making your own Vanilla extract -- really it just sounds like something I'd want to chill and serve in a glass.