DIY Vanilla Extract

June 12, 2014 by Aliesha

Two years ago, I made vanilla extract for the first time. It was so fun and easy! I’ve been using it since then and giving it away as gifts. It was time to make a new batch, so I searched around for a great source for vanilla beans.

I discovered Beanilla, and I’m so glad I did! Their beans are high quality and reasonably priced. They have a great selection of vanilla bean varieties. I used their Madagascar beans for this latest batch of vanilla extract, and it smells so amazing!

I have two more recipes coming up soon that use these beans, so keep an eye out for those in the next couple of weeks.

It’s very simple to make vanilla extract, plus you know that it is pure (with no artificial flavorings or added sugar). Even Vera joined in on the process!

DIY Vanilla Extract (Printable recipe here.)

vanilla beans (I used Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans from Beanilla – current price is $25 for 25 beans)
vodka, 35%+ alchohol, 70+ proof (or rum, but I haven’t personally tried that)
cutting board
sharp knife
liquid measuring cup
funnel
swing-top glass bottles
(optional) amber glass bottles for gift-giving (check out the whole bottle selection here)

Slice vanilla bean pods lengthwise to reveal the beans inside (no need to cut all the way through).

Place 5-7 beans per 8 ounces of alcohol into each bottle.

Kids can help with this step!

Pour alcohol into bottle using measuring cup and funnel.

Make sure the beans are fully covered.

Close the lids, give the bottles a good shake, then store in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks (longer is great too!). I really like to let mine mellow for around 3-6 months for a maximum depth of flavor.

Shake the bottle every day or so for the first week, then once a week after that.

When the vanilla has “aged” long enough, the color will be dark* and it will smell fantastic!

*In the photos below, the vanilla has only been aging for about five weeks.

If desired, you can transfer vanilla extract to small bottles for gift giving or storage.

This makes a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes to bake a lot! Start your extract now so it’s ready for the holiday season!

Disclosure: I received vanilla beans from Beanilla at no charge in order to facilitate this review and tutorial. All other supplies were purchased personally. My opinions are completely my own.

Recipe Organization (& a Wedding Gift Idea!)

June 5, 2014 by Aliesha

When I shared photos from my kitchen a couple months ago, I said I would also share my recipe storage system!

I have recipe boxes for recipe cards as well as two notebooks that I use for recipes I’ve printed out from the web. I try TONS of new recipes, so I wanted to be able to take notes on the recipe and decide whether to add it to my binder or to toss it.

One binder has main dishes and soups.

The other binder has sides & sauces, yeast breads, quick breads, breakfasts, desserts, and miscellaneous.

For the tabs, I used the cheap write-on tab dividers and made hand-written washi tape labels.

I carried this concept into a gift for a friend who recently got married!

I know she loves to cook, so I made her a recipe storage notebook. I started her off with about 25 recipes, but she can add more!

I designed a cover (cute kitchen graphics from here!) and a label for the spine and slipped the pages into the notebook. (The notebook is red, but there is a clear pocket on it.)

Instead of hand-writing the tabs, I printed out the categories, cut them out, and glued them on the divider tabs. I also made a table of contents/title page for right inside the cover.

The categories for her notebook were: appetizers, breads, breakfast, desserts, main dishes, side dishes, snacks, soups, miscellaneous, and reference.

I put a few of my favorite recipes into each category to get her started!

In the reference section, I found some helpful printable kitchen charts (just by googling) and stuck those in too.

I know I love my recipe binders, so I hope she enjoys her gift as well!

What’s your method of storing recipes?
I used to keep all of mine on cards, but eventually it was just easier to print them out. (Sometimes I also just cook from my Kindle or phone without printing the recipe until I know it’s a keeper!)

If you like this idea, feel free to pin it for later!

Organizing, Crafting, and Decorating

February 19, 2014 by Aliesha

I don’t know why, but I’ve had a major urge to organize, declutter, purge, clean, decorate, and craft lately! I guess it’s an early spring cleaning bug!

I reorganized both bathroom closets/cabinets and threw away old stuff. Here is the master bathroom linen closet:

We got a headboard, finally, after years of not having one. That, plus the new Euro pillows, are making nursing in bed so much nicer!

I made this sign for the kitchen after being inspired by this one. I’m planning on turning my broom closet into a pantry and then hanging this sign above it.

I also took some pictures of my beautiful Cordelia, since she will be 2 on Sunday! Here’s a tiny sneak peek … but check back Sunday for more! I’ve also made a couple of fun things for Cordelia’s birthday party!