Post by gracoman on Sept 10, 2019 18:27:31 GMT -5
If you have priced vanilla, beans or extract, you know how expensive it's gotten over the past few years. Failed crops have greatly contributed to a world wide shortage. It's been referred to as a vanilla crisis. Gone are the days when I could pick up a 16oz jar of pure vanilla extract at Costco for $5.00. King Arthur sells a 16oz jar for $90.00
I'm making vanilla extract for my own personal use as well as Xmas giveaways. It's easy to make and finishes with higher quality than anything you can buy. I'm using Madagascar Bourbon Grade A vanilla beans and submerging them in 90 proof Bourbon. Most folks will use Vodka (at least 70 proof please) for a more neutral flavor but Bourbon brigs depth and complexity to the party.
Vanilla beans are not all created equal. Beanilla has the highest quality vanilla beans I've ever seen. They are plump, moist and long. Beanilla beans are in the bottle on the right with the red cap. The other bottle has grade A Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans from Amazon. They are much cheaper but not as long or as fat. Grade B vanilla beans are fine for extract making but I used grade A anyway. Partly because I already had 10 grade A bourbon Beanilla beans on hand closing in on their expiration date.
10 beans slit lengthwise and submerged in 12oz alcohol of choice, at least 70 proof, for 8 weeks will yield great tasting vanilla extract. One can also cut the beans into shorter pieces with a pair of scissors but they don't look as pretty in the extraction bottle. Let it sit for 6 months and there will be great improvement. Give the bottles a shake every day or two and store out of direct light. Best vanilla extract on the planet.
90 proof Bourbon happily infusing with Grade A Bourbon Vanilla Beans. Beanilla beans on the right, Amazon beans on the left.
I'll make more with 100 proof vodka for giveaways. This is a gift that would be humbly appreciated by any baker. You will score big points with this one. Just mark the starting infusion date and the type of bean used. Download these free printable labels to affix to your home made vanilla extract or do as I do and order fancy-schmancy bottle labels from Vistaprint.
I'm making vanilla extract for my own personal use as well as Xmas giveaways. It's easy to make and finishes with higher quality than anything you can buy. I'm using Madagascar Bourbon Grade A vanilla beans and submerging them in 90 proof Bourbon. Most folks will use Vodka (at least 70 proof please) for a more neutral flavor but Bourbon brigs depth and complexity to the party.
Vanilla beans are not all created equal. Beanilla has the highest quality vanilla beans I've ever seen. They are plump, moist and long. Beanilla beans are in the bottle on the right with the red cap. The other bottle has grade A Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans from Amazon. They are much cheaper but not as long or as fat. Grade B vanilla beans are fine for extract making but I used grade A anyway. Partly because I already had 10 grade A bourbon Beanilla beans on hand closing in on their expiration date.
10 beans slit lengthwise and submerged in 12oz alcohol of choice, at least 70 proof, for 8 weeks will yield great tasting vanilla extract. One can also cut the beans into shorter pieces with a pair of scissors but they don't look as pretty in the extraction bottle. Let it sit for 6 months and there will be great improvement. Give the bottles a shake every day or two and store out of direct light. Best vanilla extract on the planet.
My last bottle of $5.00 Costco pure vanilla extract. I bought several bottles a few years ago before the crisis. The vanilla harvest may never be the same.
>>cry-whine-piss-moan-sniff-sniff-waaaah<<
90 proof Bourbon happily infusing with Grade A Bourbon Vanilla Beans. Beanilla beans on the right, Amazon beans on the left.
I'll make more with 100 proof vodka for giveaways. This is a gift that would be humbly appreciated by any baker. You will score big points with this one. Just mark the starting infusion date and the type of bean used. Download these free printable labels to affix to your home made vanilla extract or do as I do and order fancy-schmancy bottle labels from Vistaprint.