Vanilla

 

 

I ordered some Madagascar vanilla beans a few months ago. Every time I go to the store and see those glass jars with the one vanilla bean for $10 I am like,

"I want some vanilla beans". But not for $10 and not just one. So I found this awesome vanilla bean company online and ordered me some beans.

THEY SMELL SO GOOD!!!

As soon as I opened the package, I knew I made the right choice to purchase these bad boys.  

 

Bailey stamp of approval. You know it's good!!!

 

 

I knew I did not want these precious little heavenly beans to go to waste, so I started researching things to make with them. There are a lot of homemade goodies to make with vanilla beans. Homemade vanilla ice cream, where you scrape the seeds of the bean into the ice cream while it is churning and it is oh so yummy. Done that! Vanilla bean sugar scrub. Want to do that! Plan to do that. I have planned to make a special holiday vanilla bean lip balm. I can't wait for that. I already know that is going to be lovely. But Vanilla Extract? Something I use all the time. I can make my own? Vanilla Extract is perfect. Just in time for the holidays.

The recipe is so simple. Who knew that you could make almost anything into an extract. Not anything but a lot of things. All you need is vanilla beans and alcohol. Specifically Vodka or Bourbon.

 

The process takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks or longer. My vanilla has already been brewin' up for 7 weeks now. The longer the vanilla beans soak in that bourbon bath (or vodka) the stronger your vanilla is going to be. The vanilla has to be stored in a dry dark and cool area. Certainly not in the sun like it is in my pictures. I just took my vanilla on a little adventure for picture purposes and approval of course.

 

This is how I made my Vanilla Extract

 

What you will need

Mason Jar with lid (or similar vessel)

Paring Knife

16oz Bourbon or Vodka  (the higher quality alcohol, the higher quality extract)

6 Grade A or B Madagascar Vanilla beans (or Tahitian)

 

First, pour the bourbon into the mason jar. Then, using your paring knife make a slit down your vanilla bean length wise, starting from 3/4 of the way up and working it all the way down to the end. Again, run the tip of your knife down the inside of the pod from top to bottom and scrape out the seeds of the bean. Put the seeds in the bourbon as well as the bean. Do this to all 6 beans.

Screw the lid on tight. Label the top with the date that it was made. It is easy to forget how long the extract has been fermenting, so writing it down helps. The only thing you have to do now is give the jar a little gentle shake and store it away. Again, it is important to not leave the vanilla sitting out in a sunny place or cold or hot or wet. Store it in the pantry or somewhere dark and safe. Let the little angel get it's beauty rest. She's gonna need it.

I just go in every couple of days or so and give the jar a little rocking. You don't have to do it as often. Once a week is fine. I just get excited watching something come to life. Yes, something as little as a delicate jar of sweet vanilla extract.

 

Jaxon approved too!

He wanted to give the vanilla a little shake too after playing in the rainwater barrel. That is the kind of love that went into this batch of vanilla extract

 

Blessings to all

 

Texas Teas: The good kind

Texas! You either love it or hate it. There is rarely ever an in between. At least that is the consensus that I have gathered. You may already know that I am from Texas. You may also have heard that Texans are prideful people. This is true.

Just in case you are one of those who maybe didn't fall in love with Texas, allow me to change your mind with a beverage.

The Texas Tea

You didn't know we had a tea did you? This isn't grandma's sweet tea that sat out brewing in the hot Texas sun all afternoon. This is the kind of tea that has no tea at all. You heard me right.

A Texas tea with no tea.

This is the kind of tea that makes you feel warm and happy inside. Maybe on the outside too!

I hope after you drink this delicious and sweet Texas Tea , you may find that there is at least one thing you can like about Texas!

Since we are in the midst of the holidays and everyone seems to like a good cocktail or hot toddy if you will, why not try out a new drink to celebrate.

I have had my share of Texas Teas from various places and not all are created equal. Some tasted nothing like a Texas Tea and I think some of the bartenders didn't even know how to make one.

I am here to spread it's greatness and make sure that the proper ingredients are being used in the recipe.

Ingredients:
2oz Tequila
2oz Rum
2oz Vodka
2oz Gin
2oz Bourbon Whiskey
2oz Triple Sec
2oz Sweet & Sour Mix
Splash of Coke

To make:
In a gallon picture over ice mix all of your ingredients except the coke and stir. Add the splash of coke and stir again. Pour over ice into individual glasses and enjoy. Sometime I like to add a tasty rim to mine with a little lime juice and sugar. It just makes it a little more fun

This recipe makes four small drinks or you can make 2 larger glasses. I like to go ahead and pour the tall glasses because I know I am going to drink it. Why play games with myself? These drink are very strong and dangerous. How can a drink be dangerous? Because they are that good. So good that you sucked down the whole drink in 5 minutes and 5 minutes later you are feeling how much you drank. So if you have never had one, try taking it slow the first round.

You may be thinking that a Texas Tea is a lot like a Long Island Iced Tea and you'd be right. It is exactly like a Long Island Iced Tea except the Texas Tea has Bourbon/Whiskey and is way better. The measurements are slightly different as well.

I don't need to convince you. Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think.
You won't change my mind but I might just be able to give you one more reason to Love Texas.

Happy Holidays my friends and enjoy.

"Don't forget to drink responsibly and never drink and drive."
That is my little P.S.A.

Blessing to all