cut the 3 beans in half then split lengthwise. Stuff the beans in the bottle and fill with liquor of choice.
You can control the flavor and intensity with the type of beans you use and the kind of liquor. 80 proof vodka is the tamest of the lot. 100 proof has a bit more kick. Some of you will like the flavor of dark rum. Brandy and scotch will be an acquired taste or specialty vanilla but its not unpleasant. Bourbon and Tequila are good choices also. Everclear is pretty extreme but so are some cooks.
Madagascar vanilla beans also known as Bourbon or Reunion vanilla beans have the traditional flavor we all love.
Mexican vanilla beans have been inferior for the last couple of decades in both size and flavor but this years crop is a pleasant surprise. Mexico, should they continue to raise this high quality bean, could take the top spot again.
Tahitian vanilla is smaller, plumper, has more beans in each pod, a more subtle flavor yet a more fragrant smell.
A good idea is to mix your beans such as one Mexican, two Madagascar and one tahitian bean in each bottle. If you want to make a larger batch use a Fifth Bottle and use 9 beans split lengthwise.
After filling your bottle let the beans soak for 6 weeks before using. Try to shake the bottle once a day or several times each week. You can strain the liquid into another bottle then refill the bottle with the beans in it for another future batch. It will take a while before the beans are worn out and you have to start adding new beans.
Remember, vanilla should be stored in a dark bottle.
Enjoy.
You can control the flavor and intensity with the type of beans you use and the kind of liquor. 80 proof vodka is the tamest of the lot. 100 proof has a bit more kick. Some of you will like the flavor of dark rum. Brandy and scotch will be an acquired taste or specialty vanilla but its not unpleasant. Bourbon and Tequila are good choices also. Everclear is pretty extreme but so are some cooks.
Madagascar vanilla beans also known as Bourbon or Reunion vanilla beans have the traditional flavor we all love.
Mexican vanilla beans have been inferior for the last couple of decades in both size and flavor but this years crop is a pleasant surprise. Mexico, should they continue to raise this high quality bean, could take the top spot again.
Tahitian vanilla is smaller, plumper, has more beans in each pod, a more subtle flavor yet a more fragrant smell.
A good idea is to mix your beans such as one Mexican, two Madagascar and one tahitian bean in each bottle. If you want to make a larger batch use a Fifth Bottle and use 9 beans split lengthwise.
After filling your bottle let the beans soak for 6 weeks before using. Try to shake the bottle once a day or several times each week. You can strain the liquid into another bottle then refill the bottle with the beans in it for another future batch. It will take a while before the beans are worn out and you have to start adding new beans.
Remember, vanilla should be stored in a dark bottle.
Enjoy.
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