DIY Vanilla Extract
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make vanilla extract? Homemade Vanilla Extract is prized for its rich, complex flavor and incredibly smooth aroma. There simply is no substitute. Enhance your baking to a whole new level with this easy to follow recipe.
Many people are often familiar with clear or imitation vanilla extract found in your local Supermarket. The difference between pure vanilla and imitation vanilla is simple; pure vanilla extract is made from whole vanilla beans extracted using 35%+ alcohol - that's it! There are a variety of vanilla beans that will create a unique flavor. If you like a bold smokey flavor, try Ugandan vanilla beans. Traditional, rich and creamy? Use Madagascar Vanilla Beans! Floral aroma with a unique cherry-chocolate flavor? Venture to the Tahitian vanilla beans. You can even blend various varieties together! The floral, fruity, cherry like notes of the Tahitian variety blend wonderfully with the nutty-chocolate character of the Bourbon varieties. Don't be fooled by extracts that claim to be pure. Imitation and clear vanilla utilizes artificial flavors and harmful chemicals. Pure vanilla extract should be dark brown; the color of Vanilla Beans used in the extraction process. Using premium grade vanilla beans will provide significantly better flavor and aroma than commercially produced extracts.
After 8 weeks the vast majority of the extraction process is complete. At this point the the vanilla is ready to use and the vanilla beans can be removed. If the vanilla beans are left in the bottle, the flavor will continue to evolve just like a fine wine (just be sure the beans are always submerged in alcohol).
Making vanilla extract is fun and simple! Here's all that you'll need:
Ingredients:
8 oz. Glass Bottle or Jar
7 Vanilla Beans
1 cup Vodka 70 Proof/35% Alcohol (or you can also use Bourbon, Rum or Brandy; any brand/quality)
Directions:
Step 1: SLICE
Slice each bean once long-ways and place in bottle. (If it helps to cut them into smaller, tootsie roll-sized pieces so they fit in the bottle more easily, go for it).
Step 2: POUR
Pour one cup of vodka, rum or alcohol of your choice (no cheating now -- the whole cup needs to go into the bottle). Make sure vanilla beans are completely submerged.
Step 3: SHAKE
Shake once or twice a week - for best results
Step 4: WAIT
Wait about 8 weeks. Presto, your alcohol has turned into delicious vanilla! Store it at room temp and out of direct sunlight.
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It's heating up at the Roc-A-Natural "H.O.T.S" Pavilion: A Kujichagulia Day of Healing, in collaboration with Mt. Sinai United Christian Church Health and Wellness Ministry and Bronx Healing, Sunday, Dec 27, 2015 at the Mt. Sinai Center for Community Enrichment, 382 Jersey Street, Staten Island, NY 10301!!!
Meet some of our healing practitioners and vendors who will provide you with a variety of health and wellness products, services, art, accessories, delicious nutritious food and MORE!
- Juicing It Up with Virgil Meyers! All Hail To The Queen Kale Smoothie!
- Step into the Energy Vortex with Nichole, Reiki Master, Embrace the Energy through her integrative therapies
- Relax and de-stress with Walter Cantey, Earthly Treasures Massage
- Herbs That Heal 7
- Pause and enjoy the abundance of beauty captured from around the world by C Mychelle Designs, LLC
- Clara's Cutesies Crochet and Knitwear made with you in mind.
- Kimiko Kimble challenges you to come out and try some free samples of Organo Gold Coffee and compare!
- Your Reiki Relief/Nitjuan Designs Jewelry by Juanita Martin. Each piece she handcrafts is infused with loving Reiki energy with the well-being of you in mind.
*Educational and healing workshops coming soon!
**Kwanzaa Celebration!
GET YOUR TICKET TODAY for only $10.00 via EventBrite:http://www.eventbrite.com/e/roc-a-natural-hots-pavilion-a-kujichagulia-day-of-healing-on-staten-island-tickets-19561516021!!!
Roc-A-Natural is excited to have EmblemHealth be our premier sponsor to provide various health services and provide gift bags for our attendees while supplies last at this epic healing event! Thank you Neil Berry, Resource Provider and Mt Sinai United Christian Church member for your support! I want to also thank our additional sponsor, NaturallyCurly.com for providing samples for the first 50 attendees.
***HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS, EDUCATORS, ENTERTAINERS, VENDORS and SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE***
Vendor Fee - $40.00-include table and two chairs; $25.00-must bring your own table; $50.00-Food Vendor(include access to the kitchen). Send email request for Vendor Registration Form to Roc-A-Natural atran@rocanatural.com. Return completed form by email and payment via PayPal to ran@rocanatural.com by December 15, 2015.
This event will also be in celebration of the second day of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia(Self Determination) with family and in support of the Roc-A-Natural fundraising efforts for the 3rd Annual Roc-A-Natural Hair, Health and Beauty Transform Your Life Expo, Sunday, April 10, 2016 at The Holiday Inn, 440 West 57th St, NYC. For more information on The Expo, visit www.rocanatural.com.
Thanking you in advance for your anticipated support of Roc-A-Natural and advocating for a healthier community!
"It's all about being in a natural state of mind"
For more information, visit www.rocanatural.com or 917-406-7736.
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* For more information: www.rocanatural.com
*If you have been inspired by Roc-A-Natural, please consider supporting the fundraising campaign for Roc-A-Natural 2016 Expo:http://de.gofund.me/2016RANexpo
