10 Extract

Awesome to know!

I've already started two large quarts of vanilla extract. I'm testing the difference between a 1:1 and 1:2 ratio alcohol to water using the same number of vanilla beans.

I think I might try to make ALL of these. Hat/tip to Babble Blogs & the Naptime Chef

10 Easy Homemade Kitchen Extracts

1. Vanilla Extract: Here is Paula’s version of homemade vanilla extract.

2. Hazelnut Extract: 1 cup hazelnuts (toasted, skins removed), 1 split vanilla bean, 3/4 cup vodka. Add hazelnuts to a jar, add vodka, vanilla seeds and vanilla bean. Close and infuse for 3 to 4 weeks. Strain hazelnuts from extract. Sweeten the remaining hazelnuts with a dash of simple syrup if needed.

3. Almond Extract: Repeat process above for hazelnut extract substituting freshly ground toasted almonds instead. Steep mixture for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar lightly once a day to stir up the almonds.

4. Vanilla Scented Sugar: Split a vanilla bean and scrape the seeds and add the bean to 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir in the flavorings and store in a cool dry place for at least 10 days before using

5. Lemon Extract: Remove the rind of one medium lemon and remove ALL of the white pith. Chop up the remaining rind and pour it into a jar with 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup vodka. Place in a cool dry place for one week. Strain out the lemon peel before using.

6. Orange Extract: Remove the rind of one medium orange and remove ALL of the white pith. Chop up the remaining rind and pour it into a jar with 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup vodka. Place in a cool dry place for one week. Strain out the orange peel before using.

7. Lime Extract: Remove the rind of three medium limes and remove ALL of the white pith. Chop up the remaining rind and pour it into a jar with 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup vodka. Place in a cool dry place for one week. Strain out the lime peel before using.

8. Peppermint Extract: Clean and dry fresh peppermint leaves. Finely chop 1/4 cup of dried peppermint leaves and place in a jar. Add 1/2 cup vodka and 1/2 cup filtered water. Shake the jar lightly once a day for about three weeks. Prior to using strained out the chopped leaves.

9. Strawberry Extract: Wash and hull 1 pound of strawberries and slice thin. Place in a pan over medium heat and bring to a boil with 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain out the berries with cheesecloth. Return liquid to the pan and simmer until the berry water has reduced to a syrup. Allow to cool.

10. Lavender Sugar: Mix 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender, or washed, cleaned fresh lavender, with 2 cups granulated sugar. Allow to steep for at least one week before using.