Originally Posted By GrumpysWife I've made my own vanilla like this for a long time - I usually put about 3 splitvanilla beans in a larger bottle and just cover them with vodka and add a little (about 1 tsp) sugar. It's excellent - if you want it pretty (to give away or something) you have to strain the seeds out, as they kinda settle to the bottom. You can even just add a pinch of sugar, some vodka, and another bean once in a while and keep a bottle going... You can also replace it with rum if you want - that makes a pretty good extract too!
Originally Posted By gaydsnywitch I have never made my own extract, but I may have to try it. Especially after reading GrumpysWife's post. GrumpysWife, do you really need to let it sit for 4 months like they say in the link?
Originally Posted By GrumpysWife Well, I'd say at least 2 months or so..it just takes time to bring out the full flavor. I think it's pretty good after 3-4 months...my daughter-in-law started me on this - she keeps one going all the time-- San Francisco Herb Company has the best vanilla beans!
Originally Posted By friendofdd I remember San Francisco Herb. Tall, balding, always wears a hat. Two-tone shoes, polyester sport coats and does tv ads for used cars.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin I think I may have dated San Francisco Herb for awhile in the late 80's. The point of vanilla, to me, makes what ever you use it in have a richer flavor. But I have a theory that applies to vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg...always use three times what the recipe calls for. And ALWAYS use the real stuff.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin At 3.29 a gal., it may become cheaper to power our cars with vanilla.
Originally Posted By x Pirate_Princess x I think cigarettes are cheaper..only $2.50 a pack?? So people can kill themselves, but I can't get to work.