November 10, 2011 a list of all my recipes.

12 Responses to November 10, 2011 a list of all my recipes.

1. Peter Barker says:

   December 5, 2011 at 3:18 am

   The banana ketchup is my favourite! Cant wait to make some, definitely a bit of chili going in there!

   Reply
2. Frankie Beckwith says:

   December 31, 2011 at 2:35 pm

   Hi there,
   this is unrelated to the previous post and I’m hoping to get a response from andiesenji
   for home-made vanilla. After much reading and research, I purchased Everclean, based on what you have stated. Would you mind telling my how many vanilla beans to use for a litre of Everclear? And do you chop or split the beans as well?
   thank you
   Frankie

   Reply
   • asenjigal says:

     December 31, 2011 at 4:05 pm

     For a liter of Everclear I use 10 to 15 vanilla beans, depending on how fat, how fresh and soft they are. Use fewer if the beans are soft and flexible, full, etc., use more if they are somewhat dry and hard.

     You can use more beans which will give a stronger extract in a shorter time, so you can pour off some of the liquid and top up the jar with another liquor, brandy, vodka or ??

     I chop the beans into 1/2 to 1/4 inch segments and after pouring a little of the liquor over them, crushing them a bit.

     Reply
     • Frankie Beckwith says:

       January 1, 2012 at 3:11 pm

       thank you so much!
       I’m dividing the liter into two sterilized containers so I can top off with a different liquor in each; rum and probably vodka.
       Of course, this is thanks to the posts I read of yours!

       thanks again!!
       Frankie

       Reply
     • Frankie Beckwith says:

       February 25, 2012 at 1:01 pm

       one more question about vanilla, if you don’t mind?
       I have 3 cups of EverClear and vanilla beans that have been marinating for 8 weeks. How much other alcohol would you recommend I add? Once cup?
       thank you
       frankie

       Reply
       • asenjigal says:

         February 25, 2012 at 4:51 pm

         You can add up to a pint of another liquor, brandy or ?? as long as it is at least 80 proof. Then leave the stuff tightly sealed for at least 4 months or longer to get the best effect.
         You can leave the beans in the Everclear for longer as the higher alcohol content will extract more flavor more rapidly than lower alcohol content.
         After 4 months, you can remove some of the extract and begin using it while you top up the liquid with another liquor.
         I think it reaches its peak of flavor at about 8 months and will hold at this for another year.
         I start a new batch every year and often take what is left of the 2-year-old stock and blend with some of the 1-year-old stock to bottle as gifts.
         There is no wrong way to do this, when the stuff tastes good (a drop in a spoonful of cream is the best way to taste-test it) you can begin using it.

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         • Frankie Beckwith says:

           February 27, 2012 at 4:44 pm

           My husband got me some good quality vodka (100 proof) and Rum (80). When I began, I split the Everclear into two jars of 3C each with appropriate vanilla beans, using your method of scrapping, chopping and mashing. Do you think Brandy is a better more mellow choice?

           When I sampled the vanilla a few weeks ago with Everclear only, it had a slick-oily feel to it. So it does need something, I think.

           As always, I do appreciate your time and input.

           Frankie
         • asenjigal says:

           February 27, 2012 at 9:33 pm

           With the pure Everclear, it will take a minimum of 4-5 months for it to begin to “mellow” and a few months longer is better.
           Adding brandy or rum will speed up the mellowing process. You can use other liquors to develop different flavors. I know someone who swears by Wild Turkey.
           You can’t sample the vanilla plain. You have to put a drop into a generous teaspoon of cream or tablespoon of milk to test the flavor.
           I have had success with leaving the vanilla in straight Everclear for 8 months and then adding an equal volume of a sweet cream sherry – Savory and James is the best I have found – better than Harvey’s Bristol Cream in my opinion.
           It does take some experimentation to find what appeals best to your taste.
3. Frankie Beckwith says:

   February 29, 2012 at 3:28 pm

   My vanilla making is an experiment but done with lots of love! Thank you for the tips and advise. Cream Sherry sounds like a great idea!
   I was able to get good quality clear rum and vodka. But the good quality brandy is the typical amber color. Do you think that’s fine too?
   (this is probably my last question)

   Reply
   • Frankie Beckwith says:

     January 6, 2013 at 1:15 pm

     The Vanilla Extract Experiment ended up being a year old! It was a total success; everyone loved their gifts. Someone suggested mixing the alcohols. So, instead of ‘topping off with more Brandy’, for example, adding Vodka. That would be EverClear, Brandy and Vodka. Doesn’t sound like a good idea to me, but I was wondering if you had an opinion on that.

     It’s not something I had consider doing, and wanted to know what you thought.
     Thank you.

     Reply
     • asenjigal says:

       January 12, 2013 at 11:47 am

       Unless you top it off with a really good vodka, I wouldn’t bother using it.
       The purpose of the “final” liquor is to “round off” the flavor, make it less harsh so brandy or a light rum would be good and in one batch I used a very old “sipping” tequila that had been a gift.
       You can use bourbon or rye – one of my friends uses Southern Comfort.
       One friend, who wanted to try an experiment, used some Pepper vodka, I think it was Absolut, because he did not like it for drinks and wanted to make a “spicy” vanilla extract for cakes and cookies. He gave away a couple of small bottles and reports that one of his friends used it in a sweet and spicy custard and loved it.

       Reply
4. Frankie Beckwith says:

   January 15, 2013 at 6:45 pm

   Thank you, asenjigal. I didn’t like the idea of putting a third alcohol in there (Everclear, Brandy, then Vodka!). Though, experimentation can be fun!
   I’ve not found Savory and James in the small town in which I live, but did find something less expensive than Everclear: Mohawk OR Clear Springs. Both cost less, and basically the same product.
   I’m getting ready to start a new batch for more gifts and possibly to have some to sell.
   Thank you for all your responses.
   Best,
   Frankie

   Reply