Friday, March 11, 2011

The Vanilla Project

Can't you just smell the wonderful aroma of vanilla.  Reminds me of sugar cookies, warm pound cake and baking days.  Our grandmothers would place a touch of vanilla behind their ears as a perfume.  It is a very soft feminine touch to do so.  I found several different recipes for making your own vanilla.  I made this a couple of weeks ago, and as you can tell it is starting to turn a very pretty amber color.  It takes approximately four to six months for the full strength, but it will be well worth the wait.  The following is the beginning stages of the bottle of vanilla.





I knew I had to try this since I love to bake.  Pure vanilla extract can be very costly, even at Aldi's. 
The recipe I used consists of the following:
1. 3 vanilla beans-Can be found in the spice isle of the grocery or online, such as Amazon.com
2.  1 and 1/2 cups of a good quality vodka
3. Pretty bottle with a secure lid  [I purchased a bottle at Walmart and then had a secure cap from another bottle, which I added.]
4. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise.  One recipe I viewed explained to split the beans, scrape out the seeds and then chop up the beans.  The recipe I chose simply split the pods and then they were dropped into the vodka. 
5.  Another recipe indicated to keep the bottle stored in a dark place but shake it daily to help distribute the seeds.  [I have used this suggestion]
6.  It takes approximately four to six months for the vanilla to become full strength.  I am already beginning to notice the liquid is becoming darker.  It really smells delicious already. 

I am placing a couple of links to other sites I have found the recipe.  One is a favorite blog site: Stonegable.  Please view here
Another is at Tammy recipes  please find the link here

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post as well as Beverly's pink Saturday!  Have a blessed week-end.  Enjoy your own Vanilla Project.



I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post.  .



I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!













Also Linking to Frugalicious Friday
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/03/frugalicious-friday-giveawaythe-rusted.html

9 comments:

Donnie said...

That looks like it will be wonderful. Thanks for showing how you did it.

Unknown said...

Lynn, I so remember the ladies dabbing that vanilla behind the ears ... also fresh crushed rose petals.

I can smell it already ...

Happy St. Patrick's Day ~
Have a beautiful weekend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

CSN GIVEAWAY ENDS 3/17

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a gorgeous post!
I also love your music!! Stunning!!

HPS!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Anonymous said...

this was a lovely post
i remember my gramm dabbing the
vanilla behind her ears...
love the smell
happy pink/green saturday =)
~victoria~

Linda M. said...

Happy Pink Saturday Lynn, Thanks for this sweet recipe! Have a wonderful week.

Laura Quaglia (Fun With This and That) said...

I want to make some . Maybe mkes some gifts. Have a safe and fun week. Laura

Gypsea Nurse said...

This is wonderful!!! Thank you!
Cricket

Acorn Hollow said...

Pure vanilla makes such a difference in baking or anytime. It is very expensive to get the "good" stuff. Have you ever used any of the homemade vanilla? Thank you for showing how to do this. I am going to try it;). I bet is smells so wonderful. I love your blog. P.S. Happy PINK Saturday and I love Heartstrings from Secret garden and more of that music too.

Mrs. T

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Beautiful PINK SATURDAY post! I'm a bit late but wanted to stop by!
Happy Monday!
Coralie