Ruths Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipes

Steps:

• Place the vanilla beans in the bottle of vodka and seal. Store in a cool, dark area such as a kitchen cabinet for 3 weeks, shaking the bottle every week. Three weeks is the minimum, store it 6 months for the best flavor. After using, replace with more vodka. The same beans will continue to flavor the vanilla for up to a year.

Steps:

• Fill a quart mason jar with vanilla beans standing on end. Top up with brandy to cover the beans and seal. Let it sit for a month before using to allow the vanilla to permeate the brandy. Top up with fresh beans and brandy from time to time.

Steps:

• Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans open lengthwise to expose the seeds. Tuck the beans in the jar or bottle and pour in the vodka. Close the jar, shake it a few times, and place it in a cool, dark space. Let the jar rest for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking it again once or twice a week. The mixture will get darker and darker over time. When the extract starts to run low, top it off with more vodka and shake again. Also, whenever you use a vanilla bean, don't hesitate to add it to the jar after you've used it. This will continue to "feed" your vanilla extract and it should keep forever. Vanilla Variations: Vanilla Sugar: Split 2 vanilla beans and scrape the seeds into an air-tight container with 3 cups granulated sugar. Cover the beans in sugar and tightly seal. Let the sugar sit for 2 weeks. Use just as you would use regular granulated sugar.
• Vanilla Almonds: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Beat the egg white with the vanilla extract, add the almonds and stir to coat. Combine the sugar, salt, and cinnamon and combine with mixture. Place in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 degrees F for 20 minutes. Remove and cool on wax paper and break into clusters.

Steps:

• Put vanilla bean in a clean jar and cover with rum or brandy.
• Cap the jar and store in a cool and dark place for at least 6 weeks to let the flavor develop.
• Once a week lightly shake jar.
• Strain the vanilla extract through a cheesecloth lined strainer and into a sealed jar.
• Give as a gift with a recipe that uses vanilla or a handbaked gift.
• If giving at Christmas time I double or triple my recipe.