Jolash Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 If you've made your own vanilla, is it as dark as store bought? I started some in July, and while it smells like vanilla, it's a much lighter shade than the store vanilla. Will it darken over time? And is it ok to use it as it? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Mine is lighter than a store-bought. Maybe it depends on what kind of alcohol drink you steep it in? I used vodka. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in Jax Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 If you leave the beans in the bottle, it will continue to get darker, but if you used at least 2-3 beans in a fifth of alcohol, it's probably strong enough now. Store-bought vanilla often has caramel coloring to make it browner/darker. So, your vanilla and the store brand might have the same amount of vanilla flavor, but the store-bought will be darker due to the added caramel color. HIH, Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolash Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thanks you guys! Now, I need to make a cake or cookies and try some of my 'own' vanilla! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpidarkomama Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Mine's pale too, about like apple juice. But yum! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Oh! How timely! I have both vodka and vanilla beans on my shelf and was just wondering how to make it! Is there a tried-and-true way? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alpidarkomama Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Cut beans. Soak until it tastes good. Several weeks to two months. I just put the beans right in the bottle. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happygrrl Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Cut beans. Soak until it tastes good. Several weeks to two months. I just put the beans right in the bottle. :) How easy is that! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paintedlady Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Mine is fairly dark, but I put about 6 beans in each bottle and both split them lengthwise and cut them into pieces about 1-2" long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarcyB Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I also put quite a few beans in my bottles, split and cut up, but mine's not as dark as store-bought either. All the additives change the color. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I used 3 beans and a PINT of vodka and it is VERY dark after only 3 weeks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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