. My first double strength batch has been done for a good while now, so I figured it was about time that I get on here and update ya'll about how I like it.
Showing posts with label Extracts/Spices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Extracts/Spices. Show all posts
December 14, 2011
Homemade Vanilla Extract (An Update)
. My first double strength batch has been done for a good while now, so I figured it was about time that I get on here and update ya'll about how I like it.
March 9, 2011
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Vanilla Extract after 2 weeks
This past week, my grocery list looked a little like this.
Yes, that does say a half gallon of vodka.
What did I need a half gallon of vodka for? I threw a huge shin-dig!!
JUST KIDDING!!
Remember a couple weeks back when I mentioned the deal on vanilla beans? Well, they arrived just a couple of days later - and I was honestly really excited! Making my own vanilla extract is something that I have been wanting to do for a while now. Not only is it more flavorful than what you buy in the store, it is also more economical.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 gallon of vodka (1.75 Liters)
- 40 Vanilla Beans
- a half gallon container (I used an empty orange juice bottle that I cleaned)
I made a little label out of plain, white paper & taped it onto mine to try & make it a little prettier.
Using the tip of a knife, split the vanilla beans in half, exposing the middles - but leaving the ends attached so that they aren't completely separated.
Place the vanilla beans into your empty container, & cover with the vodka.
Seal the container. I used a layer of plastic wrap under the screw on cap just to be sure it was sealed well.
Store in a cool, dark place for 6 months, shaking about every week.
After the 6 months, you can strain the mixture, & use the vanilla beans to make another batch too!
Final Cost Breakdown
Vanilla Beans - $22 for 54
(with 14 left over for another use)
Half Gallon of Vodka - $12
Total: $34 for one half gallon of vanilla extract
(actually cheaper than that since not all the vanilla beans were used for this!)
March 2, 2011
Frugal Living - Homemade Bread Crumbs
We all do it. Make bread, or buy bread, that ends up not getting used before it goes stale, and it winds up in the garbage.
Stop throwing away your money!
Make up a batch of homemade bread crumbs. It's super easy!
You can use sandwich bread, rolls, hot dog buns - really doesn't matter. It all works the same. I made some sandwich buns a few days ago, and some of them didn't get eaten, so that's what I used this go round.
Break up the bread by hand, & throw it into a food processor. If you want to make Italian bread crumbs, throw in some Italian seasoning.
Melt some butter (or margarine) in a pan - 1 stick for 4-6 cups of crumbs.
Add the bread crumbs, & saute, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned.
Store your bread crumbs in a thick, Ziploc bag - or an airtight container in the pantry. They will keep for 4-6 months. Do NOT refrigerate them!
Not only did that stale bread not go to waste, but you also were able to cross out the bread crumbs from your grocery list. Saving money while making something that tastes way better than store bought - win win!
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