Recipes

[mare54]

I want to make some, but I don't drink and don't know much about alcohol. I want to use vodka. Anyone ever make their own? In looking at all the recipes, it says to split the bean. No problem I can do that. However, I watched Ina Garten recently and she had made her own but she left her beans in tact. When she wanted to use them, she squeezed them and all the seeds had turned to a paste like consistency. I WANT THAT!!! Thoughts anyone??

[deepwaterdotter]

This is how I make mine, but I'm not left with any paste-like substance:

1 ounce vanilla beans

1 cup vodka

Cut beans in half lengthwise.  Scrape out seeds and place in small saucepan.  Cut pods into 1" pieces and add to saucepan.  Add vodka, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until steaming, about 2 minutes.  

Pour into jar and seal with air-tight lid to cool completely.  Store in dark place for 10 weeks, gently shaking jar once a week.

Line fine-mesh strainer with 2 coffee filters and set over 2-cup glass measure.  Strain liquid through filters, then store in clean, air-tight jar.  

[mare54]

@deepwaterdotter I've never seen this type of recipe. Everything is just pour and leave along for 2-6 months.  Interesting. I might try this method. What brand of vodka did you use? I not a drinker so not sure what type to use. Also where did you get your beans? TIA

[deepwaterdotter]

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@mare54 wrote:

@deepwaterdotter I've never seen this type of recipe. Everything is just pour and leave along for 2-6 months.  Interesting. I might try this method. What brand of vodka did you use? I not a drinker so not sure what type to use. Also where did you get your beans? TIA

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I buy grade A beans on Amazon, and the cheapest 80-proof vodka I can find.

[LiveLaughLove]

Here is how Ina does it.  Tall bottle to hold ten to twenty vanilla beans.  Put in the beans and cover with vodka.  Put on lid and keep in cool dark place for at least one month.  You now have "vanilla", which you use as always.  You also have "vanilla paste" which you get by cutting open a steeped bean and squeezing out the paste.  Ina has kept her bottle going for over twenty years by just replenishing the beans and vodka as necessary.