Homemade Food Extracts

Forget expensive extracts like lemon, almond or the staple vanilla....Learn to make your own extracts for use in baking!

The following recipes use 4oz Mason jars and good quality vodka.

Vanilla Extract

Slice vanilla pods down the centre, careful not to cut all the way through them. 
Place 3 pods per jar, fill with 3/4 cup vodka, leaving room at the top. 
Leave in a cool dark cupboard. 
Shake jars once a week. 
Ready to use in about 8 weeks. 


Hazelnut Extract 
1 cup hazelnuts (toasted, skins removed)
1 split vanilla bean
3/4 cup vodka
Add hazelnuts to a jar, with vodka, vanilla bean and seeds. 
Close and infuse for 3 to 4 weeks. 
Strain hazelnuts from extract. 
Sweeten the remaining hazelnuts with a dash of simple syrup if needed.

Almond Extract
Repeat process above for hazelnut extract substituting freshly ground toasted almonds instead. 
Steep mixture for 3 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar lightly once a day to stir up the almonds.

Lemon/Lime/Orange Extract
Remove the rind of one medium lemon/lime/orange, and remove ALL of the white pith. 
Chop up the remaining rind and pour it into a jar with 1/4 cup water and 1/2 cup vodka. 
Place in a cool dry place for one week. 
Strain out the peel before using.

Peppermint Extract
Clean and dry fresh peppermint leaves. 
Finely chop 1/4 cup  peppermint leaves and place in a jar. 
Add 1/2 cup vodka and 1/2 cup filtered water. 
Shake the jar lightly once a day for about three weeks. 
Prior to using strain out the chopped leaves.

Strawberry Extract
Wash and hull 1 pound of strawberries and slice thin. 
Place in a pan over medium heat and bring to a boil with 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. 
Simmer for 30 minutes. Strain out the berries with cheesecloth. 
Return liquid to the pan and simmer until the berry water has reduced to a syrup. Allow to cool.

Lavender Sugar
Mix 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender, or washed, cleaned fresh lavender, with 2 cups your choice of sugar.
Allow to steep one week before using. 

Use Organic Peppermint for Better Taste Quality  

Fresh French Lavender

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