*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                       HOME-MADE VANILLA EXTRACT

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Holiday

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2                    Whole vanilla beans
  1 1/2   c            Vodka (the cheap-o stuff
                       -works just fine)
    1/2   c            Water
  1       c            Granulated sugar

 Anyone interested in a recipe for home-made vanilla
 extract?  It makes a fun gift for Christmas, packaged
 in a small jar with ribbon around neck, included
 recipe for same, a bag of brownie or cookie mix which
 requires vanilla and a brownie pan.  It IS
 alcohol-based. Perhaps someone has another recipe for
 one that does not require alcohol? Could this be one
 of those "chemistry" things again?  I apologize for
 typing this in as I still haven't made friends with my
 software but folks who know how to doctor it to adapt
 to their recipe pgm. will find it a tasty and CHEAP,
 CHEAP, CHEAP Holiday idea. Better start it now,
 though! It takes about 7 weeks to "steep" it but you
 can fudge a little on that timing, I'm sure.

 VANILLA EXTRACT

 In a 3 cup glass container with a tight fitting lid,
 combine vanilla beans with the vodka.  Cap and allow
 to "steep" at room temperature for three weeks.
 Remove vanilla beans and strain liquid through a
 cheesecloth, if necessary.  In a medium saucepan,
 combine water and sugar, stirring constantly, until it
 comes to a boil and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat
 and cool.  Stir into vodka that has been strained.
 Pour mixture into a bottle; cap and allow to sit at
 room temperature one month. Yield:2 cups vanilla
 extract



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