Status of homemade vanilla

[bijoux22]

I need to compare my results so far with anyone else who is making their own vanilla. I began with 2 vanilla beans split and put them in a pint of vodka. I now have a caramel colored vodka that has a wonderful vanilla aroma. I haven't tasted it yet. I started the "brew" on October 3rd.

[This message has been edited by bijoux22 (edited 10-13-2000).]

[Ed]

Hi Bijoux22,

I also have Vodka starting to turn Color. I started mine on 10/4. When I was looking at it tonight, (I'm storing it in the cupboard) My good wife mentioned that she thought maybe I might just have ruined some good Vodka.

Well I'm not worried, I believe it will be great in about 6 weeks from 10/4, if it isn't it will have been fun trying to make my own Vanilla. And while I have never ruined any good Vodka I have wasted a lot of it and it was always fun when I did that too.

I really am looking forward to some wonderful Vanilla.

Ed

[Vanessa]

Hi Ed & Bijoux22!
You will end up with great vanilla extract!
I made some Kalhua a few yrs ago and its fun doing stuff like that. Made a small batch of vanilla extract and it was good too.

[Jeanne G]

Originally posted by Vanessa:

I made some Kalhua a few yrs ago and its fun doing stuff like that. Made a small batch of vanilla extract and it was good too.

Made your own Kalhua??!! You must share this!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Please.....

[Vanessa]

Kahlua
1 qt. boiling water
2 cups instant coffee powder
7 cups sugar
1 qt vodka
1 vanilla bean.
Mix coffee powder and sugar in large container. Pour boiling water over the mixture of coffee and sugar. I stir it well with a whisk to dissolve the coffee granules and sugar, then pour the vodka, stir and pour everything into a 1 gallon glass dark bottle. Score vanilla bean and drop it in bottle. Put cap tightly on bottle and let sit 4 to 5 weeks in a cool (not cold) place.
I then transfer this to individual bottles. I believe I used a mesh to filter and removed vanilla. I gave away bottles and kept some in dark cabinet. This is very thick, rich and powerful. I like to use it in brownies, cakes and yes with milk for a sombrero. Makes 2 1/2 qt. You can make half of this recipe instead

Now here is another version from HGTV which I will probably do next for Xmas
Homemade HGTV Kahlua
4 cups sugar
4 cups hot water
2 ounces instant coffee
1 vanilla bean
1 fifth vodka
Mix sugar and 3 cups hot water. Heat in saucepan (DO NOT BOIL!) Mix coffee with remaining 1 cup hot water. Combine both liquids and add vodka. POur into dark bottles adding equal amounts of vanilla beans to each. Age for 1 month or longer.

[phantomcg]

Vanessa:
It's funny that you should mention making Kalhua -- I've got two different recipes that I've been "going to try" for about 2 years now. I'm bound and determined to make it this year. I'll have to dig out my recipes and see how they compare to yours. If they seem different, I'll post them.

By the way, my vanilla has also turned caramel color and you can really smell the vanilla, but there is still a "vodka" odor present.

Cheryl

[Jeanne G]

Vanessa,
Hands down, thank you!!!! Looks like you've made others happy too http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif !! Generousity is a gift and thanks for it! I can't BELIEVE I can MAKE IT MYSELF!!!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[BethR]

Thanks for posting the Kahlua recipes. I love Kahlua and definitely want to try to make it! One question though -- where did you find dark glass bottles? Especially large ones? TIA!

[Vanessa]

Beth
I used a big dark green glass "jug" wine type bottle (first) then after it "matured" I divided it into several smaller bottles....
I had a lemon cordial (with vodka) recipe somewhere which now sounds like an interesting project.....
Hope you all enjoy making Kalhua!!!

[bijoux22]

Ed, it looks like we are on the right track. Vanessa the home made kalhua sounds like a great idea too. I think I will try it! What a great addition to brownies or anything chocolate.

[slknight]

I started my vanilla on October 10th. I'm using 2 vanilla beans per pint, just like everyone else. However, I'm trying it with the rum as opposed to vodka, so I'll let you know how that works.

[CL Fan]

I posted this question before, but I can't find the original thread. I assume the beans come out once the vanilla has "brewed"? Sorry for the repeat question.

[RunnerKim]

I also started mine the beginning of Oct - I think it was the 2nd or 3rd. Sniffed it a few days ago and it was smelling like vanilla, although my husband still smelled the vodka. Patience, I guess!

So funny Kahlua came up as I was wondering just a couple of days ago how to make it.

CL Fan - my understanding is you leave the beans in if you want to. This way you can just add vodka (or brandy) as you use it. If it starts to get too weak in taste or color add another bean. I'll probably include a little section of the bean when I pour it into the small bottles I purchased for gifts.

Kim