Idea #1: Oh My Gosh, It's Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is the stuff from which baking dreams are made. Vanilla extract recipe below is a simple, easy to make, great gift to receive. Once you've sampled this home-made version, you'll think twice before purchasing the store-bought version again. Start this recipe now, and you'll be ready for the Christmas gift giving season!
Background Information.
Never hurts to be knowledgeable about your spices. Here's a little background information for you. Vanilla is a flavoring, native to tropical America, specifically Mexico. The name comes from the Spanish word "vainilla," meaning "little pod."[ Its derived from a type of orchard. If you're interested in learning more about the history of this favorite spice, its lore/legend, or alternative uses to baking, click here.
Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups of brandy or bourbon
2 vanilla beans, cut into quarters
Instructions:
- Place the brandy and vanilla beans in a jar.
- Seal the jar tightly
- Let the mixture sit for 2-3 months at room temperature in a dark place to let the flavor develop.
- Remove the pieces of vanilla beans before using.
- This extract will keep indefinitely in a well-sealed jar.
Gift ideas:
- Give a cup as a stand-alone item. Hand paint or decorate the jar. Wrap the jar in some ribbon and add a tag
- Give some in a jar, accompanied by some of your favorite recipes that include vanilla as an ingredient.
- Pull together a gift basket of vanilla flavored gifts: Jar of homemade extract, bag of french vanilla coffee beans, and some Vienna/vanilla creme cookies, etc.
