Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Making vanilla extract at home

Well, there's so little to do in the garden, I am trying out some new things indoors.  Here is my latest venture, making vanilla extract.  It seems like it is going to be super easy to do.

What you need:
1 cup good vodka
3 vanilla beans
jar with tight lid
scissors
patience (4 out of 5 ain't bad)

Okay now, pay close attention.  Make sure your jar is clean first of all.  Take three, good quality vanilla beans and cut them in half to with in a centimeter or so of one end.  This will keep them together.  I don't know why that makes a difference, but I didn't argue (much).  Place beans in jar, glass is best, cover with 1 cup of vodka.  I used Absolut, but the better the vodka, the better the extract, once again I didn't argue.  Make sure beans are completely covered and then place lid securely on jar.  Store in a cool, dark place for the next two months.  I guess that is where the patience comes in.  Once a week or so you can gently shake the jar.  Even after just a couple of days you can smell how great this is going to be.  Don't ask me how I know, I just do.  I started mine two nights ago.  I'll keep you posted.


I ws down to just over a cup of vodka so I used the bottle it was already in.

This is after 2 days.  They look a little like giant leeches.  Hopefully it will taste better!


Friday, December 3, 2010

Comments working

Someone emailed me that they couldn't post comments. The template I was using didn't work right. It was the same on my other blog. I know there are thousands of you out there who are dying to comment on my blog, now you can!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Umm, I Got Nothin'

Well, it is definitely a slow time of year for the garden.  About the only thing I have to do right now is to go out and water the strawberries and my flower beds.  I think I may have killed my beautiful pineapple.  I forgot to bring it in when it got cold.  I guess we'll see.

In a few weeks I will start planning and maybe even start some plants indoors.  It has been a while since I have done that.  Right now I am just focusing on clearing out the guest room to make it a craft room.  That and making sure I can keep Elijah interested in school.  He is blowing through everything right now.

Have a great winter!