This is a recipe from Starlette, a long time member of our Facebook group, 'Making Vanilla Extracts by VanillaPura'. Starlette has made hundreds of extracts and sweet desserts to use them in and here's another fabulous extract recipe that she has shared with us, thank you Starlette!
The Tanzania Star is a full flavored tasty extract that uses Tanzanian vanilla beans and a combination of 3 different alcohols. This blend of alcohols gives it a buttery pecan undertone with a smoky maple flavor. It will tantalize your taste buds!
This extract can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Add a splash to a holiday bird, or to your baking and candy making. Delicious in hot chocolate or coffee beverages too.
This recipe makes approximately 24 ounces.
Extract time - 12 months, longer for a more pronounced vanilla flavor.
Jar size: 1 quart or larger
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Tanzania vanilla beans
- 8 ounces vodka (70-100 proof)
- 8 ounces smoked maple bourbon (70-100 proof)
- 8 ounces pecan whiskey (70-100 proof)
- 1/2 cup whole pecans
Instructions
- Cut the vanilla beans to fit your jar, or leave them whole and tie loosely. Place the beans in the jar.
- Pour vodka, bourbon and pecan whiskey over the beans, making sure that they are fully submerged. Add the pecans.
- Close the jar and give it a couple of light shakes to mix the alcohols. Store for 12 months, checking it periodically for flavor. I don't change out the pecans and I leave them in for the entire extraction time.
After 12 months
- Taste the extract by adding 1/2 teaspoon of extract to 1 tablespoon of milk (or milk alternative) with 1/4 teaspoon sugar. If you like the taste then your extract is done! If not, continue to store and taste test at 1 month intervals.
- When ready, remove the pecans but leave the vanilla beans in the extract for a more concentrated vanilla flavor. Just make sure they remain submerged in the extract.
