Monday, August 1, 2011

I need to drink more...

or maybe bake more.

A few weeks ago, I used up the last of a large bottle of vanilla extract that I have had for several years. I was not too upset, as I had a second one. I don’t even remember where I found them, but I got 2 large bottles…we are talking a pint in a half I think. I am just guessing now. But they were large ones. I don’t remember where I got them, but I was somewhere and the store had some marked down merchandise. These bottles of pure vanilla extract were marked down I guess because the labels got wet. I didn’t care, They were still sealed, so I got them.

It was the best vanilla extract I have ever used, and I used it a lot.

So, last Sunday, I was making French Toast and opened the “new” bottle of vanilla. Mmmmm….it smelled so delicious! Then I stuck my finger in for a taste. Ugh! I told Hubby is had gone bad and threw it away. Fortunately, I had a tiny bottle of clear vanilla extract that I had bought for white frosting, so I used that in the French Toast batter.

I was now in need of vanilla. For a long time, I have wanted to make vanilla extract, just to see if I could, so I started researching for instructions. Imagine how lame I felt when I read that vanilla extract always tastes like alcohol. Duh!! I don’t guess I have tasted it straight in a long time.

I called Hubby to tell him how silly I had been to toss a perfectly good bottle of vanilla and he laughed and told me not to think anymore.

So, I am not going to.

Though I do plan to make some vanilla. I ordered vanilla beans today from Amazon.com. I have some GC credit from surveys, so it didn't cost me anything. I will head to the liquor store this weekend. (And try to only buy vodka.)

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Let me know how this turns out I have always wanted to try this since we use so much vanilla


Judy

slugmama said...

Making your own works great!
It just takes awhile for the flavor to develop so don't count on using it right away.
And yes, we ALL need to drink more!!lol

Mark said...

I thought this post was going to be about booze! m.

Frances said...

Judy, I will blog my progress!

Frances said...

Sluggy, I read that it will take a couple of months. If I need some in the meantime, I will just buy a small bottle.

I can't wait!

Frances said...

Mark, I will write a post about booze just for you.

Sonya Ann said...

Yay for liquor stores!!! And drinking more and baking more just don't do it all at the same time. Well maybe!

Frances said...

I would think baking and drinking at the same time would be pretty fun.

slugmama said...

Baking and drinking are a great combo....don't ask me how I know.lol
Just don't do them together and nekkid. ;-)

McVal said...

I did that last year! STILL using it! I think I have a quart left. Did you find your own recipe or do you want me to send you the link I found?

Frances said...

McVal, I found a recipe, but I am going to email for yours!

Kevin said...

Real vanilla extract never expires. LOL... write that down on the bottle if you want. It will stay fresh indefinitely.

I am not so sure about the artificial kinds but the extra expense is worth it anyway. Keep the real vanilla.

That stinks that you threw away a big bottle of it.

Frances said...

Kevin, thanks for stopping by. I KNEW that vanilla extract never expires. I just had brain fart that day and threw it away. If I had waited a day...and Hubby wasn't so quick to take out the garbage...I would have rescued that bottle.

Sonya Ann said...

Just stopped over to say howdy!