Home Made Vanilla

catjac1975

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I have been trying to grow vanilla for a few years now without any luck. It is a slow growing orchid and mine has not come into bloom. I think in needs to be a 4-5 foot vine before it flowers. Any one have luck and advice?
 

so lucky

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Did you know that artificial vanilla is made from the anal secretions of beavers? Check it out. It's called castoreum, I believe, a "natural" flavoring. I'll be using my home-made vanilla from now on, thank you.
 

baymule

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OK, the vanilla batch #2 has been soaking 5 months now. I have dipped into the 1/2 gallon jars on the vodka vanilla and the rum vanilla. I find the rum vanilla to not have as much vanilla taste as the vodka vanilla does. I haven't done serious baking with either one to really compare, but so far, I like the vodka vanilla waaaaay better than the rum vanilla. I'll bottle it up next week and do a bake off to compare the vanilla batches.

I need to order more vanilla beans and go buy some more booze! Or maybe I could buy a DIY book on building a still.......... BWAHAHAHA!!!!
 

baymule

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I am drinking iced coffee right now......this morning's leftover coffee in a tall glass, couple spoons of sugar, couple spoons of vanilla, topped with milk, stir. YUM! :drool
 

Bluebonnet

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I ordered vanilla beans! I bought 1 pound of Tahitian grade B beans for $32.95 and they sent 1/8 pound for free. Shipping was $5.50

http://www.vanillaproductsusa.com/servlet/StoreFront

I chopped 1/2 pound in 1/2" pieces, put in a 1/2 gallon glass jar and covered with vodka. I told DH, I need more vodka! :lol: I still have beans! I found a thread on Sufficient Self on vanilla.

http://www.sufficientself.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=9155&p=1

Ooh! Good stuff for making vanilla sugar!
 

catjac1975

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Did you know that artificial vanilla is made from the anal secretions of beavers? Check it out. It's called castoreum, I believe, a "natural" flavoring. I'll be using my home-made vanilla from now on, thank you.
That that's a career choice. Beaver secretion collection specialist.
 
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