Recipes

Vanilla Extract

10 -- 12 Whole vanilla beans

2 cups (16 -- 18 ounces) Vodka (the cheap-o stuff works just fine)

1/4 cup modified simple syrup (1/8 cup sugar, 1/4 water)

(The simple syrup helps to take the edge off of the alcohol)

Cut the vanilla beans into large pieces. In a large container with a tight fitting lid, combine vanilla beans with the vodka. Cap and allow to "steep" at room temperature for four to six weeks, shaking occasionally. The longer the beans hang out in the vodka, the happier the extract! (You would be happy too, hanging out in vodka for several weeks!) Strain the mixture through several layers of cheesecloth and then add the syrup, if you wish. This extract will keep for several years.

Vanilla Bourbon Extract

1/2 cup Kentucky Bourbon (pick your favorite!)

4 or 5 vanilla beans

Chop vanilla beans into small pieces. Do not lose any of the little black seeds. Drop the pieces into a clean jar and cover with the bourbon. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and keep in a dark place, shaking every other day. Vanilla Extract will be ready in about 2 weeks. The mixture can be added to indefinitely. Use just as you would regular vanilla extract. Store it anywhere, and it will keep for several years.