HOMEMADE VANILLA - One More Status Check!

[debg]

Can you stand one more check on the status of our homemade vanilla? Mine has been "brewing" for 4 weeks and is still a very light color... It smells great (like vanilla!) but seems so light.

Will it darken in the next few weeks?

Should it be in a dark cupboard or out on the counter in the sunlight?

If it doesn't get any darker, do you think it will still be useable?

Since I'm planning to give these as gifts and I've never done this before I'm just a little paranoid! Thanks for making me feel better!

P.S. I'm an official "member" now! http://cgi.tripod.com/smilecwm/cgi-bin/s/cwm/blah.gif http://cgi.tripod.com/smilecwm/cgi-bin/s/cwm/blah.gif http://cgi.tripod.com/smilecwm/cgi-bin/s/cwm/blah.gif

[mlou]

Can't tell you much, I'm in the same spot you are in that I am making it for gifts. I put 2 1/2 beans in a bottle of vodka on Oct. 21st and mine is light in color also but I'm hoping that time is the trick! It does have a wonderful smell and I am keeping it in the cabinet. Guess we have to keep our fingers crossed http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[HARRYET]

I just started my Vanilla yesterday, one vodka and one rum, hopefully it will be successful. It is already starting to turn a slight golden color. I can't wait, and am anxiously awaiting others results!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[kwormann]

Hey, the vanilla sounds great..what is the recipe?? Also, how do you become a "member"??

[bijoux22]

My vanilla is carmel colored also and I started the brew on Oct 3rd. It smells wonderful but I too wish the color were darker.

[Vanessa]

Hi vanilla makers. Are you keeping your extract in a cool dark place? Also occasionally shake the jar, until the flavor of the extract has mellowed. The vodka will turn a nice DEEP brown thats when you will know its ready. Those using rum will probably get a color faster if they used golden rum.
For the vodka to get deeper in color its a matter of time. I read some of the original recipes and a month sounds a short time it coud take longer I think. But several mentioned making extract before so...I recall the small batch I made a while back was "brewing" a while. But...patience hang in there the vodka & beans will turn to vanilla extract soon.

[This message has been edited by Vanessa (edited 11-06-2000).]

[debg]

Vanessa, thanks for the vote of confidence! I guess I'll just hurry up and wait. Luckily I still have 4-5 weeks before I'll start giving my gifts. Hopefully the vanilla will turn color before than. At least I know I'm headed in the right direction. Thanks for making me feel better!

kwormann, the recipe is on a threat posted a couple of months back. Do a "search" on "vanilla" using the icon in the upper right corner of your screen. That should get you some choices. The recipe is on one of those. If you can't find it, let us know and someone can provide you with the direct link.

You become a member with 50 posts. I just became official this weekend, and what a THRILL it is. I thought I'd never get there! You're well on your way with 37 posts! Keep em coming and good luck with the vanilla!