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Blog Posts Tagged vanilla extract | Andrea Orem

vanilla extract

Homemade Vanilla Sugar: The Ultimate Guide to Upcycling Used Vanilla Beans

Homemade Vanilla Sugar: The Ultimate Guide to Upcycling Used Vanilla Beans
Are you wondering what to do with those leftover vanilla beans from making extract? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will show you how to transform used vanilla beans into delicious, aromatic vanilla sugar. Perfect for bakers, coffee lovers, and anyone looking to add a touch of gourmet flavor to their kitchen creations, this easy DIY project will elevate your culinary game while reducing waste.

What is Vanilla Sugar?

Vanilla sugar is a fragrant, flavored sugar that infuses your recipes with the rich, complex taste of real vanilla. By making it at home, you're not only saving money but also reducing waste by upcycling used vanilla beans. This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, adding depth and sophistication to your cooking and baking.

Ingredients and Tools

To make your own vanilla sugar, you'll need:
  • Used vanilla beans from extract-making, a few beans per cup of sugar
  • Granulated sugar (1 cup per vanilla bean)
  • Airtight container or jar
  • Coffee grinder or spice grinder

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Thoroughly rinse the used vanilla beans to remove any residual alcohol from the extract-making process.
  2. Pat the beans dry with a clean towel, then air-dry them for 1-2 days. For faster results, place them in a low-temperature oven (around 170°F/75°C) for a few hours.
  3. Once completely dry and brittle, break the vanilla beans into smaller pieces to fit in your grinder.
  4. Using a coffee or spice grinder, grind the dried vanilla bean pieces into a fine powder. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the vanilla flavor throughout the sugar.
  5. In an airtight container, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with the vanilla bean powder. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
  6. Seal the container tightly and give it a good shake to further mix the vanilla powder with the sugar.
  7. Let the mixture sit for at least a week to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.

Pro Tips for Perfect Vanilla Sugar

  • Ensure the vanilla beans are completely dry before grinding to prevent clumping in the sugar. This is an important step!
  • Clean your grinder thoroughly after use to prevent flavor transfer to other spices.
  • The vanilla flavor will intensify over time, so taste and adjust as needed.
  • For a more intense vanilla flavor, use more ground vanilla bean or less sugar.

Creative Uses for Homemade Vanilla Sugar

  1. Enhance your morning coffee or tea by stirring in a spoonful of vanilla sugar.
  2. Elevate baked goods and desserts by substituting regular sugar with vanilla sugar in recipes.
  3. Create gourmet cocktail rims by dipping glass edges in vanilla sugar.
  4. Sprinkle over fresh fruit, oatmeal, or yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat.
  5. Use in savory dishes, such as tomato sauces or meat rubs, for added depth of flavor.
  6. Make vanilla-infused whipped cream by using vanilla sugar instead of regular sugar.
  7. Create a luxurious body scrub by mixing vanilla sugar with coconut oil.

Why Make Your Own Vanilla Sugar?

  • Cost-effective: Get more value from expensive vanilla beans by using them twice.
  • Eco-friendly: Reduce waste by upcycling used beans that might otherwise be discarded.
  • Customizable: Control the intensity of vanilla flavor to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of vanilla beans!
  • Versatile: Use in both sweet and savory recipes for a unique flavor profile.
  • Gourmet touch: Elevate everyday recipes with a homemade, artisanal ingredient.
  • Gift-worthy: Package your homemade vanilla sugar in decorative jars for a thoughtful, handmade gift.

Storage and Shelf Life

Properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, your homemade vanilla sugar can last for several months, if not longer. The vanilla flavor will continue to develop over time, so don't be afraid to make a large batch.

By following this guide, you'll master the art of making vanilla sugar at home. Not only will you have a delicious ingredient on hand, but you'll also be practicing sustainable cooking by making the most of your vanilla beans. The process is simple, rewarding, and results in a product that's far superior to store-bought alternatives. Start experimenting with your homemade vanilla sugar today and discover the difference it can make in your culinary creations. From morning coffee to decadent desserts, this versatile ingredient will add a touch of gourmet flair to your everyday cooking and baking. Embrace the art of upcycling and elevate your kitchen game with this easy, eco-friendly project!

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results
Vanilla extract is a staple in many kitchens, adding depth and warmth to a wide variety of recipes. While store-bought options are readily available, making your own vanilla extract at home is surprisingly easy, cost-effective, and allows you to control the quality and strength of the flavor. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating your own delicious homemade vanilla extract.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make vanilla extract, you'll need:
  1. 1 oz vanilla beans
  2. 1 cup (8 oz) of vodka or other 70+ proof alcohol
  3. A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
  4. A sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Begin by splitting the vanilla beans lengthwise using a sharp knife. This exposes the tiny seeds inside, which are packed with flavor.
  2. Cut the split beans into smaller pieces, approximately 1/2 inch long. This increases the surface area, allowing for better flavor extraction.
  3. Place the cut vanilla beans and any loose seeds into your clean glass jar.
  4. Pour the vodka or other alcohol over the beans, ensuring they are completely submerged. The alcohol acts as a solvent, extracting the vanilla flavor compounds.
  5. Seal the jar tightly with its lid and give it a vigorous shake to start the infusion process.
  6. Store the jar in a cool, dark place at room temperature. A pantry or kitchen cupboard away from heat sources is ideal.
  7. For the first week or two, shake the jar daily. After that, reduce the frequency to once or twice a week.
  8. Allow the extract to steep for a minimum of 2 months. Before using, make sure it smells like vanilla when opening, not alcohol. For the best flavor, patience is key – waiting 6-12 months will result in a richer, more complex vanilla extract. I try to wait a whole year+! Or increase the amount of beans per 8oz of alcohol in order to speed up the extraction process a bit.

Tips for Success

  • Choose high-quality vanilla beans for the best flavor. Madagascar, Tahitian, and Mexican vanilla beans are popular choices, each offering slightly different flavor profiles. I have used these or (ideally) ordered from a co-op like this in the past and REALLY liked them, but they are not always immediately available.
  • The type of alcohol you use can affect the final taste. Vodka is a popular choice (and what I have always used) due to its neutral flavor, but you can experiment with rum or bourbon for different flavor notes.
  • As you use your extract, you can continue to top it off with more alcohol. This "perpetual" method allows you to maintain your vanilla extract indefinitely. I don't choose to do it this way, I personally make new batches every so often so I am more clear on how long it's gone and when it's ready. Plus then I can experiment with different types of beans for flavor.
  • When the flavor begins to weaken, simply add fresh vanilla beans to the jar to reinvigorate the extract. I have just taken my old beans and made vanilla sugar or thrown them in a jar with a small amount of alcohol to collect all the old beans and eventually use that down the road too. Nothing goes to waste!

Benefits of Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making your own vanilla extract offers several advantages:
  1. Cost-effectiveness: While the initial investment in vanilla beans may seem high, homemade extract is more economical in the long run, especially for frequent bakers.
  2. Quality control: You can ensure the purity of your extract by using high-quality ingredients and avoiding artificial additives.
  3. Customization: Experiment with different types of vanilla beans or alcohols to create unique flavor profiles.
  4. Gift-giving potential: Homemade vanilla extract makes an excellent gift for food enthusiasts and home bakers. I gave vanilla extract for Christmas two years ago and everyone loved it!

By following these simple steps, you can create a rich, flavorful vanilla extract that will enhance your baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. The process requires minimal effort but yields impressive results, making it a rewarding project for both novice and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy the satisfaction of using your own homemade vanilla extract in your culinary creations!


This is my health story

 

I have always been sensitive. That's a word that has described me, my body in particular, my whole life. I have skin sensitivities to fabrics, bruise easily, I get cold easily, I tend to be on "alert" all of the time (no coffee needed here!), I'm a musician and very creative, and I don't even THINK about using any conventional personal care or other products that are scented... they bother my skin, and they bother my respiratory system too. I've never been able to use any scented products because of the discomfort and increased sensitivity they cause. I can't be around people who wear perfume or scented deodorant, because I can't breathe well and my head has discomfort. I can't go into a public bathroom that has been just cleaned because of the toxic chemicals they used to clean it. I can't enjoy candles or most lotions or makeup like most women I know because I'm sensitive to it.

During my first semester of college, I started to develop debilitating discomfort in my jaw, which I was later told is TMJD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, not just the kind of little twinge when you bite down on something too hard, but long-lasting aching, along with clicking and cracking. It was exacerbated by singing, gum-chewing, caffeine, and other things, and I was easily able to cut out all of the things listed on my doctor's list except for one -- singing. I was a vocal music education major, and singing was my livelihood (or at least soon-to-be), so I couldn't just not practice! I struggled so hard for 2.5 years through long choir rehearsals, voice lessons, practice sessions, and more. By the end of the day, it would be so bad that I'd almost be in tears. My roommates and boyfriend (and his roommates!), bless their servant hearts, would bring me freezing cold ice packs to numb my face enough so that I could fall asleep at least, though I would wake up in the night unable to fall back asleep due to other sleep issues I also was dealing with.

It seemed like a vicious cycle that I needed to stop. Maybe I needed to change majors and give up my dream of making music, of teaching others to make music too. Maybe I needed to pick something that didn't require so much singing and talking. Even smiling a lot bothered me, so maybe I needed to pick a major or job with less human interaction. But THAT idea broke my heart. I didn't enjoy any of the things I could think of! My boyfriend at the time (now husband!) and I had many conversations about what I should do... singing was part of the fabric of my BEING. I am MADE to sing. If you know me, you know that hardly an hour went by without me humming or singing some little tune. But my jaw bothered me so much most of the time that I needed to change SOMETHING. But what?

And that's when change came...

I found some natural and pretty simple solutions -- though simple doesn't always mean easy! It required a LOT of discipline and self-control on my part.

I'm blessed now to have so many versatile tools in my tool box for any emotion, body system, or issue I may be experiencing. So, where am I now? Healthier than I’ve EVER been. I have NO jaw issues anymore when I keep up my self-created protocol. I sleep through the night. I feel so much better now that I'm sleeping more and deeper. I've spent 4 years now working through the emotional issues I faced in early career, and I am so happy that I can now FEEL emotions without feeling completely run-over and frozen by emotions. I’m also happy to say that I have only had little illnesses since finding solutions, not the constant strep throat and other illnesses I was getting at least once per month before! And, that’s saying a lot as I was constantly around germs while working full time with 500+ elementary students. But once I started supporting my immune system, I stopped getting sick every couple of weeks. I can clean with the most amazing smelling cleaner without coughing. I can wear my own homemade "perfume" and get compliments, and not only does it smell good, it supports my body systems. I can use amazing smelling shampoo now! I can have twice as much energy for the day without drinking any coffee or sugary drink. When I started having these successes, I was at first in disbelief, and now in awe at all that God's created, I believe, and given us for our good. Now these are my first line of defense, my go-tos, the first thing I do when something is off, which is not very often anymore (usually just when the weather changes, ah MN life).


I look forward to living a beautiful life of freedom and feeling empowered every single day, enjoying the life I was meant to live. That life includes sharing my story of overcoming and helping you also find better, safer solutions to overcome your daily struggles.

Are you ready to live empowered to be your own best advocate? Let's chat.

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