Not only will making your own extracts save you some money, but they will also be healthier than the traditional extracts you buy in the store. Many store-bought extracts contain the controversial ingredient, propylene glycol.
Although the FDA calls this substance “generally regarded as safe,” it is in a lot of other items which may surprise you. These include paint, plastics, cosmetics and smoke and fog for firefighter training. Yuck!
Why not make your own extracts that you know are not only safe but also delicious. Plus, a homemade extract presented in a mason jar with a ribbon makes a beautiful homemade gift.
Here are some recipes to try.
Vanilla Extract
Not only is vanilla extract great for baking but like almond extract you can use it in smoothies and coffee. It also tastes great in French toast batter and organic plain yogurt.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rum
- 3 Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans, whole
- glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Place the beans and the rum in the bottle.
- Leave them in a cool and dark cabinet for 8 weeks.
- Remove the vanilla beans before using the extract.
Almond Extract
Everyone loves almond extract, especially its sweet, sort of nutty flavor. Almond extract is amazing in baked goods but can also be used in oatmeal, on rice, in smoothies and also in tea or coffee. This recipe for homemade almond extract could not be easier or yummier!
Ingredients
- 12 whole skinless raw almonds
- 1 vanilla bean
- 16 oz vodka
- glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Place almonds and vanilla bean inside the glass jar.
- Pour the vodka over the almonds to the top of the container.
- Place the vodka and almond mixture in a cool and dark place for 8 weeks.
- Shake the mixture at least twice a week and do not remove the lid until the 8 weeks is up.
- Strain and pour into another clean dark bottle with a tight fitting lid.
Gluten – Free Chocolate Extract
If you are a chocolate lover, you are going to really enjoy this homemade chocolate extract. This bold tasting extract is delicious on homemade ice cream. Even better, this is gluten free.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups potato mash vodka
- ¾ cup cocoa powder ( dark as possible)
- glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Pour the potato mash vodka into the glass jar
- Stir in the cocoa powder
- Place the jar in a dark cupboard, shake gently every 4 days for 6-8 weeks
- Strain and enjoy
Coconut Extract
Want a tropical twist in an extract? Try this extract in drinks, breads, syrups, sauces and smoothies.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated coconut
- 2 cups vodka
- glass jar with lid
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the glass jar.
- Seal and shake.
- Shake every other day for a month.
- After one month strain the extract into a new glass jar or bottle.
Lemon Extract
This refreshing extract is just what you need for delicious and healthy muffins, cakes and pies. Just the aroma alone is enough to energize and invigorate.
Ingredients
- zest from one lemon
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup vodka
- glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in the glass jar
- Shake daily for at least one month up to three months
- Strain and enjoy.
Blueberry Extract
You can make this delicious extract with any type of berry including raspberries and strawberries. Enjoy this extract in some pure maple syrup or as a topping for organic vanilla yogurt and more.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup of vodka
- glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Add the berries and the vodka to the jar
- Leave them in the jar in a cool dark place for 8 weeks
- Strain and enjoy
Peppermint Extract
There is nothing tastier than a touch of peppermint extract in a nice hot cup of cocoa. This extract is also great in eggnog or in healthy baked treats.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh peppermint leaves
- 1 cup of vodka
- glass jar with lid
Instructions
- Chop mint leaves and add them to the jar
- Pour vodka over the leaves and put on lid
- Leave the jar in a cool and dark cabinet for 8 weeks
- Strain and enjoy