Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract has a long and fascinating story, you might be surprised ...
Plot twist
A synthetic version of vanilla extract historically being derived from beaver glands ( I kid you not ). While this process still exists, nowadays the majority of vanilla flavouring is gleaned from various other spices or chemicals made in food labs.
Pure natural vanilla beans are nature's aromatic gold, having properties not unlike salt - vanilla adds an underlying foundation flavour, a balancing element to bring the other flavours together.
As culinary gems, they infuse dishes with a rich, complex flavour that elevates desserts, dark beers, gins and even savoury creations to new heights.
The beauty being that vanilla beans if stored correctly will last longer than anything else in your panty... it's worth having them to hand for those special creations.
Recipe >
Recipe
To make beautiful authentic vanilla extract without any of the aforementioned nasties is super easy.
You can use B grade beans to make extract.
To make 250ml you will need about 7 vanilla beans ( a 25g pack contains about 10 vanilla beans ), and 250ml of pure alcohol, vodka or rum or similar.
Slit the beans lengthways, but don't cut all the way through. Immerse the vanilla beans in the alcohol, ensuring that they are completely covered.
Let the extract sit for at least 6 weeks and ideally longer if you can resist opening it. The longer you wait the more potent the extract will be.
The vanilla beans can be reused to make a second batch and after that you can dry the beans and grind to a powder to use in your baking.
Remember to always make sure the vanilla beans are covered with alcohol, as oxygen will cause the beans to decay.
Keep the extract out of strong sunlight and in a cool place with a lid on.
Vanilla extract will not expire as long as the beans are always covered in pure alcohol.
Vanilla extract makes a great gift for enthusiastic bakers, so consider sharing some of your batch with your friends - you may even be rewarded with some of their creations. #winning