Now I know why they use to watch the Veterans in the Vets Home when they’d come back from pass. They would physically check their bags and pull out the Vanilla Extract!! Never realized it was made with pure liquor.
When i make my home made kahlua. I cut my vanilla beans down the side from one end to the other. that way it exposes the inside vanilla so it's stronger as it is being made. try that next time or do it now before it starts.
You need to have Joe build you a greenhouse. Your hay bail veggies turned out great. I can only imagine what you could do in a greenhouse. Love your videos ❤️❤️❤️
@@astheroostercrows6435 I think I heard a little birdy say in one of his videos that the greenhouse will be getting built for this growing season as it is getting closer to the top of his to do list...chirp chirp...lol
I had never looked into vanilla bean or harvesting or distribution until you mentioned in here that it comes from an orchid and grows on a vine so I stopped in the middle of your video and found a couple of RU-vid videos on growing and harvesting and production of the vanilla bean to get it ready for sale it's so interesting thank you for bringing my attention to these things
All the other videos I’ve seen of people making their own vanilla extract, they slit each vanilla bean down the middle before placing it in the bottles. And one lady I saw says she stores them for 5 years before using!!! 💕
I made 5 ,16 oz bottles last August using Brandy, Rum, Bourbon, and vodka. 10 beans in each. I kept the beans whole and snipe the ends off. It takes time. and the brandy and bourbon are really nice.
Thanks for sharing with us Melissa, looking forward to seeing you both doing the taste test in September if you are able to wait that long 🤗. Take care and be safe. Fred 👍👍👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
4 oz of good vanilla is up to 20.00 so I made some with spiced rum. I will start using it around Christmas or Thanksgiving if it worked out. Thanks for showing your bottles and the brandy.
have the same vanilla beans put three beans in a half pint of vodka (scraped the liquor) cut beans in half lenthwise and shake the bottle when ever in the kitchen. its been 3 months and smells just like the extract you get in the stores. I'll try to get you a pic if i can figure it out.
Hey Melissa give the beans a wack or however you want to expose the flavor. I think that helps. Do you know how long they last after they are ready at the 8 month timetable? Yes you need a greenhouse! How are the cats and chickens doing? I haven’t seen them in awhile. TC 🦋 Vicki from Iowa
They last indefinitely. I should have slit the beans open, I am planning another video to correct that mistake. I meant to and totally forgot! Animals are doing great!
when i make my vanilla i cut the bean in middle in a few spots put in pint vodka bottle it comes in add 3 beans and and put in cupboard and shake them once a week 7 beans for 8 oz and 6 months might be done in 3
I’m my experience whiskey or bourbon makes the best. Also you may not like the fact that your beans get stuck in those bottles. You can reuse the beans but eventually you will want to wash out the bottles.
You should check out a Vanilla bean co-op. Much cheaper beans, and different kinds. They need to wait 12-18 months. Next time weigh your beans. You need 1 oz of beans to 1 cup of alcohol.
Melissa. To get the best and fullest flavor of the vanilla extract you need to spilt the pod down one side before putting them into the bottles. This allows better access to the seeds which contains the most flavoring. Also when checking and shaking them have the remaining alcohol to hand so you can top up the bottles as the pods will soak up the alcohol. Since you used amber bottles you will need a torch to hold the bottle in front of so you can check to see how much has been absorbed. Also you will find that because the pods have absorbed the alcohol you won't be able to remove the pods without some difficulty so have other bottles to pour the vanilla extract into. Take care and stay safe both of you.
P.S. the waxy / greasy covering is a way for the packing firm to stop air getting to the pods so this stops rot setting in. To get rid of this run hot water until just above hand hot then put pods under hot water for 1 minute this melts/washes away greasy covering.
I thought my wife the beans and some bottles off from Amazon. I don't think we've bought the alcohol for this yet though. Lots of great ideas in the comments here though.
I have made my own vanilla for several years. I have only used vodka, but I use a quart jar and just keep like a mother batch going. I do split the beans a little tho. I follow ina gartens recipe. Keep me posted on the other ones. I’m interested to know how that comes out! Thx for the video!
I just watched the ina garten video. She DID NOT slice her beans. She does after 6 mos... snip the ends off the beans and squeeze out the seeds then. I would prob just leave ur as is.
Look what Melissa is getting drunk. LOL I have tried some home made kinds before. I love the Brandy and Bourbon kinds. They have the flavor I want for my baking goods. But it is pricey to do. The best vanilla for the money I love is the 5th's from the Mexican Markets in south Texas. Mexico produces good vanilla when dried right.
I was given a bottle a few yrs back for christmas. Does it expire? I'm not a baker so don't need extract very often. I wanted to make a flavored cream to put in coffee for after dinner or maybe a brunch. Curious to see how the different alcohols taste. The brandy sounds nice. HUGS~Donna
@@christophermaggard9917 thanks, but I really enjoy the Mitchers 🥃. I know it's a bit pricey, but I'm ok with that...but for sure, I'd split and scrape the beans.
