Homemade Vanilla Extract
I started making my own vanilla extract and other ingredients because I was curious about the process. Once I found out how incredibly easy it is and how far superior the homemade versions are, I never looked back. Below are some of the ingredients I always make myself. It’s so worth it.
“Baking is the ultimate do-it-yourself project. I mean, you’re literally making everything from scratch so why not make the ‘scratch’ stuff, too?” Kasha Linka
The only thing that could make this better is if I lived on a farm and could gather fresh eggs every day, make my own butter, grow my own everything. How awesome would that be?!!! (The practical side of my brain just told the crazy part to settle down because no way was I going to go live on a farm. Sigh.)
- Homemade Vanilla Extract — Natasha’s Kitchen
- Homemade Fondant — Wilton
- Semisweet Modeling Chocolate (“Dough”) — Julia Usher
- White Modeling Chocolate (“Dough”) — Julia Usher
- Ganache 101 — Baker Bettie
Ingredients specifics
Homemade Vanilla Extract. Vanilla extract is surprisingly easy to make and can be done with just two ingredients: vodka and vanilla beans. The hard part is waiting for it to mature. You just put a few vanilla beans into a sterile glass bottle, pour vodka over the beans, put the top on the bottle, and then wait for the alcohol to extract the flavor from the beans. It does require a bit of attention now and then, as you have to shake the bottles daily for a month, then weekly for another month. But the results are spectacular and the cost is so much lower than the vanilla extract you purchase in stores.
Homemade Fondant. I don’t know anyone who actually likes the taste of fondant. But when you make it yourself, the taste is really quite good. Homemade fondant is made from melted marshmallows and confectioners’ sugar, with just a bit of water. It can be used just as you would use commercial fondant but it tastes way better.
Modeling Chocolate. Modeling chocolate is really easy to make and a dream to use. Use it alone to decorate cookies and cakes or combine it with homemade marshmallow fondant and you have the best of both worlds: great flavor that holds its shape. It tastes delicious and you can emboss it to make pretty designs. You can also color it, paint it, and mold it into flowers or other shapes. Modeling chocolate is a tasty secret weapon.
Chocolate Ganache. One of the most delicious foods ever is chocolate ganache. It can be used to make chocolate truffles, sauces, cake and cookie fillings, icings, whipped frostings, and glazes. And the best thing about it is that even a beginner can produce exquisite results.
Vanilla Extract: Vodka, Grade B Madagascar Vanilla Beans
Marshmallow Fondant: Mini Marshmallows, confectioners’ sugar, water
Modeling Chocolate: Premium quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, premium quality white chocolate, corn syrup
Chocolate Ganache: Premium quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, heavy whipping cream (or just water!); sometimes vanilla extract, depending on the use
For Vanilla. Sterile bottles with airtight stoppers and a dark, cool storage place.
For Fondant and Modeling Chocolate. Plastic wrap, freezer bags, airtight containers for storage.
For Chocolate Ganache. I often make ganache in advance. It can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I’ve even frozen it for a couple of weeks and had good results using it as needed.
What I’ve learned...
Using homemade ingredients makes a big difference in the final outcome of baked goods. I realize that it’s easier to purchase some of these things, but in most cases homemade is less expensive and of a superior quality and taste. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking and decorating if taste and texture are just so-so? Decorating the cookies and making dessert takes time, but it’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate that. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?
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