Vanilla Extract and Apple Pie infused Vanilla Extract
Cooking from scratch is a way of life for us on our homestead in Stayton, Oregon. As much as possible I buy all natural, wholesome ingredients. I make many of the seasonings we use in our kitchen. From the savory to the sweet, home-made is always better. Although pure vanilla extract is available commercially, the complexity of flavors found in homemade vanilla extract make it a wonderful addition to the homestead kitchen.
The vanilla extract that we know and love today is derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla. The pods (beans) of the orchid are harvested, and dried. Vanilla originated out of Mexico and was first discovered in the 16th century. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world (saffron is the most expensive). Harvesting and germinating the Vanilla orchid is a very labor intensive and time-consuming endeavor.
While preparing the initial extract is a timely process, since it ages for six months to a year, this investment in time is worth the wait given the flavorful product you get at the end. Enjoy!
RECIPE
Materials
2 half pint mason jars with lids
10 vanilla beans - extract quality
bourbon or vodka - 80 proof or better
½ to ¾ sliced fresh apple
2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
Vanilla Extract
- Slice the vanilla beans length wise to expose the seeds
- Cut vanilla beans to size to fit into a mason jar. Put beans into a clean mason jar.
- Add bourbon or vodka to mason jar to fill.
Bourbon will add a sweetness to the vanilla extract whereas the vodka will extract the pure flavor of the vanilla. Bourbon is my favorite liquor to use to make vanilla extract.
- Store the vanilla in a dark place for 6 months to a year. The longer the vanilla ages, the stronger the flavor. I will sometimes let the vanilla age for a year or more.
- Shake the vanilla extract every couple of days for the first couple of weeks to help the liquor absorb the flavors of the beans and seeds.
Apple Pie Infused Vanilla Extract
- In a clean mason jar add the apple, and cinnamon.
- Fill the jar with the prepared vanilla extract.
- Store the apple pie infused vanilla extract in a dark place for another six weeks.
Apple pie infused vanilla will enhance your favorite coffee drinks, whipped cream, and desserts.