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DIY Pure Vanilla Extract

September 26, 2013 by Gluten Free & More No Comments

DIY Pure Vanilla Extract

There is no other scent quite as intoxicating and seductive as that of the vanilla bean. Capturing the essence of this precious fruit for use in

baking is remarkably easy to do at home—DIY and gluten-free. With two ingredients and a little patience, you are on your way to making pure vanilla extract. Quality vanilla beans may be sourced from finer cooking stores and online. At www.beanilla.com, you will find a wide selection of Mexican, Madagascar, and Tahitian beans both in Grade A (for baking, drinks, and desserts) and Grade B (for extract making).

You will need:

Glass bottle

Grain-free, potato-based, unflavored vodka (35%+ alc/vol)*

Vanilla beans

Step 1:

Five beans are required per 1 cup (250 ml) of alcohol. Use a knife to split each bean in half, leaving about ½ inch at each end intact.

Step 2:

Place vanilla beans in bottle and cover completely with vodka. Close and store in a cool spot, giving the bottle a gentle shake every 2-3 weeks.

Step 3:

After two months, the extraction process is nearly complete and you may begin to use the extract. Remove beans, strain (if desired), and bottle to give away as gifts—or keep it all to yourself!

*Most authorities say that people with celiac disease can safely consume distilled alcoholic beverages, even those crafted using gluten grains. That’s because the distillation process supposedly removes all of the gluten protein molecules responsible for a reaction. However, the Celiac Sprue Association does not necessarily agree. When it comes to distilled alcoholic beverages, the association recommends celiacs consume only spirits crafted from non-grain sources and in dedicated gluten-free facilities.

Written by Alexa Croft.

Find her at www.lexieskitchen.com

Disclaimer: All nutrition facts on Gluten Free & More are meant only as a guide and may differ depending on product brands used or ingredient substitutions. Some errors may occur, so you are encouraged to confirm the recipe’s ingredient and nutrition suitability for your own diet.