Through VanillaPura, we are able to associate with many wonderful people around the world. This recipe was provided by Carol S., one of our long-time friends and talented extract makers. We will post her vanilla extract recipe and name here, in her own words:
I would call it...
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Willa's Fortune
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It's after my Mom...
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In honor of her life and her simplicity, I offer a standard...
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She was not complicated in the way she lived. She was an incredible cook, but it was good solid "farm" cooking.
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I wish I had started making vanilla before she passed. I would have gifted her a huge amount. It would have been gold to her. She used an incredible amount of vanilla.
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One of the things that keeps popping out at me, is her fudge recipe. Old school fudge. Pure sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, evaporated milk. That woman never ever owned a candy thermometer either. She gifted her recipe and her cast iron skillet that she made it in, to my middle son to continue the tradition. He promised me when I got my taste back [after having COVID], he would make me some. Normally, that's an only Christmas thing.
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So, the "recipe" I offer is simply 4 oz of Madagascar beans combined with 750ml. of Ketel 1 vodka.
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The simplicity of this, is perfect for her. Momma wouldn't want fancy. That was never her. She would want good solid basics that would serve her in any single dish that she could possibly make.
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And that's why Willa's Fortune seems to fit. She would have argued that I shouldn't have spent so much, and I would counter back that she was worth every penny and more.
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From Kansas...I send love,
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Carol.
Comments
Your precious tribute to your mother brought me to tears. She reminded me of my mother. My mother didn’t try the fancy dishes but what she did cook or bake was absolutely the best. I think we scored having these wonderful women for our mothers. Here’s to the ladies who made us who we are today!
This is such a lovely tribute to your precious momma. I, too, often wish I had started vanilla making before my mother passed away. She would have been so intrigued. Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story. ♥️
Beautiful tribute to your mom.
Mom would have turned 100 yesterday, Oct 12, 2022. I continue making various types of vanilla and share with my family. She would have been thrilled to have gotten some! She was the most remarkable woman I have ever known. This is for you, Momma!
Thank you to everyone who helps me honor her memory. Like this extract, she was simple in her ways, but never ordinary.
Have you found that using the Sous vide method changes the taste of the extracts?
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. I am so glad she gifted her recipe and cast Iron skillet to your son. Very few people pass on their knowledge anymore. I will make your mother’s recipe with my granddaughters in her Honor.
Be Blessed!
I have this recipe brewing right now, it’s only been 2weeks , long time to go but it will be worth it. Thank you
What a beautiful tribute to your mother. My Mamma Miley was the schoolhouse cook, then became a baker when the school shut down in the late ’50s. I remember her using imitation vanilla but her cakes were always delicious. This will make great gift: a homemade vanilla extract made in her memory by her granddaughter! Thank you for the inspiration.
I know I would have liked your mama! We share the same thinkin’, Truly enjoyed the story n love the name given “Willa’s Fortune”.
( Maybe her fortune was havin’ an appreciative and generous daughter)…. thank you for sharing
This is a Beautiful Homage to your Mom. I am sure she is feeling the Love!!
You are Blessed. Would this be considered a double strength extract? I will have to try it out. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
Just made this recipe
Can’t wait til is done
My first batch
😊 thank you
Carol, this tribute to your Mom is priceless no matter what the cost. It’s just priceless.💐👏👏
That was a sweet tribute ❣️