Make Your Own Vanilla Extract + A Giveaway!

I have been making my own vanilla extract for a few years now. Once I tried it it seemed ridiculous to go back to buying it. Making your own is cheaper and I believe produces a better quality flavor. Plus, it's super simple!

This time around I used Madagascar beans because they're super cheap over at Beanilla right now (they should really be paying me for all this advertising I've been doing for them!) However, I've also really enjoyed the flavors of Tongan, Ugandan, Tahitian and Bourbon. Tongan beans produces a rare and unique vanilla flavor. Ugandan pairs well with deep chocolate flavors. Tahitian is possibly my favorite- the vanilla flavor is unreal (Tahitian Vanilla Bean ice cream, anyone?). Bourbon beans have probably the most common and familiar vanilla flavor. Madagascar beans are my other favorite and the variety I've used most often; the flavor is strong and pairs well with just about everything. I wasn't too terribly impressed with the Mexican beans when I tried them, but that also may have been the alcohol I paired it with so I'd be willing to give them another go. I have yet to try their Indonesian and Indian beans- those will be next!

I have found that ordering beans online, no matter the website, to be less expensive and of higher quality. You want to make sure the beans feel oily; if they are too dried out you won't get much flavor out of them. So be sure to store any extra beans in an airtight container. I store mine in glass vials which do a great job of preserving the moisture of the beans.

The other decision you must make is what type of alcohol you want to use. I have had the best results with Vodka, Spiced Rum and Bourbon. It doesn't need to be a high quality alcohol (I usually just pick one with a pretty bottle and good price). You can either store the extract in the bottle the alcohol came in (if it has a good seal) or I've found these bottles to work very well.

I've found using a ratio of 3 beans per 12 ounces to be sufficient because I leave the beans in the bottle and they continue to release more flavor over time. However, if you are looking to remove the beans or for faster results, I would suggest a ratio of 6-8 beans per 12 ounces. 

Making the vanilla extract is an easy four part process.

Step One: With a sharp knife, slice the beans length-wise down the middle.

Step Two: Using the blade of your knife, scrap the "caviar" from the inside of the beans.

Step Three: Deposit the caviar and now-scraped beans into an airtight bottle containing the alcohol.

Step Four: Shake it like a Polaroid picture! (Once you've sealed the bottle of course) 

And then the hardest part of all is the waiting. The extract won't be ready to use for two months at the earliest, but it's really best after six months. Feel free to smell it every once in awhile- it'll smell better and better everyday. Once it's ready, you can remove the beans and pour the extract through a coffee filter to remove the caviar and any other pieces of the beans that may be floating around. However, like I said above, I keep the beans in. Once it's made, you'll have an endless supply of extract- just keep adding more beans and more alcohol and give it a shake every once in awhile. 

Vanilla extract also makes a great gift. Apart from just giving it to those people who love to bake, you can create an aromatherapy kit. Present the extract with some rosemary, lavender or jasmine with instructions to warm it on a stove top to create an inviting and relaxing smell in their home.

Now, because I'm such a fan of homemade vanilla extract I want to share the love with you guys and host a giveaway! My first ever! Hooray! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below stating what you would use the extract for (i.e. your favorite baked good, ice cream, aromatherapy...get creative if you want). I'll announce the winner next Tuesday (5/14) so you have until then to enter. 

Happy Tuesday!

Vanilla Bean Scones with Raspberry Chia Jam (Vegan, Gluten Free)

I've been experimenting with a cookie recipe for the last couple days and the batch yesterday came out with a scone-like texture. Eureka! I've been wanting to create a good vegan, gluten-free scone recipe and lo and behold I accidentally stumbled upon it. Don't you love it when that happens?  

Simple vanilla bean scones sounded like the perfect breakfast this morning. I paired it with a raspberry chia jam I had made last night for a thumbprint cookie recipe I'm working on and together it was a perfect sweet and tangy combination.

As I mentioned in this post I recently took advantage of an awesome sale that Beanilla is having and have been going vanilla bean crazy! (Just ask anyone who has stopped by our house in the last few days and immediately upon entering were intoxicated by vanilla fumes). I love vanilla, it's simple and comforting and in my opinion enjoys the spotlight not nearly enough. Must be something I inherited from my mother, who by the way will love this post (Happy early Mother's Day, Mom!)

Now onto the recipe, shall we?

Vanilla Bean Scones

Adapted from Minimalist Baker

• 1 1/4 Cup Almond Meal
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon Coconut Flour
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/3 Cup Dry Sugar (I used Beet Sugar, but Cane, Date or Palm should work, too)
• 1 Flax Egg (1 Tablespoon Flaxseed mixed with 3 Tablespoons Water)
• 3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil, Melted
• 1 Vanilla Bean, Scraped

Makes 4 scones or 8 mini scones.

In a small dish combine the ground flax seed and water, stir and set aside. In a medium size bowl, combine almond meal, coconut flour, baking powder, salt and sugar, set aside. Whisk the flax egg until it is a smooth consistency and has expanded (about 1 minute), add the coconut oil, whisk again until combined. Add the beans from the vanilla pod and whisk until fully incorporated. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until fully mixed. Cover and refrigerate for a 1/2 hour. In between sheets of wax paper, roll the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Slice 4-8 wedges (depending on the desired number of scones). Lay the wedges on a sheet of parchment paper or Silpat and place in a 375 degree oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before consuming.

Raspberry Chia Jam

• Approximately 3 ounces of Raspberries
• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• Sweeten to Taste

In a food processor combine all ingredients and pulse until a uniform puree is formed. Refrigerate 15 minutes to set. Spoon jam onto the scones and enjoy.

I will definitely be experimenting with more scones in the future.

Are there certain flavors you guys would like to see?

Happy Saturday!

Favorite Things Friday.

First off I want to apologize for my absence this week. I don't know how many people actually read this blog on a regular enough basis, but for those of you who noticed (and expressed concern) I apologize. Creating this blog is something I've wanted to do for awhile and it amazes me that people actually want to read it. So thank you for caring, it really means a lot. 

This week has been all out of whack. I've been working day shifts, which means I'm working when I'm usually blogging and hanging out with people when I'm usually working and fitting school work in between. Not to mention Monday we got hit with a heat wave so I spent the entire day in the park because I knew snow would be coming again on Wednesday. Seriously, I got slightly sun burnt on Monday laying out in the park in shorts and a tank top and then we were hit with a snow storm two days later. Colorado is crazy.

Plus my computer is nearing the end of its life. This picture does not do it justice. The screen is connected to the keyboard merely by wires and it no longer holds itself up (it's currently propped up against a vase of lemons). And yes, it is held together by packing tape. This week I just was not feeling very motivated to blog and when your computer is as slow as molasses it doesn't exactly help (I've already yelled at it four times writing this post). Keep for fingers crossed that it holds out awhile longer because it'll take me a little while to save the money for a new computer. No computer = no blogging.

Anyway, on to the main event. I want to start a new feature on For the Love of Leaves that highlights some of my favorite things from the week. A chance for me to show-off some of the awesome blogs I read during the week or whatever else strikes my fancy. Does that sound good to you? I hope so 'cause I'm doing it anyway!

Favorite Idea.

Friday Favorites -Iowa Girl Eats

Unfortunately Kristin is doing some work on her blog this morning so I couldn't snag a picture, but I love her idea of sharing her favorite things from the week. So yes, this idea was totally stolen from her. Go check out her blog, it's full of tasty recipes! Even though I don't eat a lot of the food she does, her posts are fun to read and I find I can alter many of her recipes to my liking. 

Favorite Blog.

This Rawsome Vegan Life

I mentioned Em and her blog in my last post. She comes up with the tastiest looking recipes accompanied by drool-worthy photos and a goofy sense of humor. Plus since her desserts are made with raw, wholesome ingredients you can enjoy them without feeling guilty about it. Getting vital nutrients while eating dessert? Yes, please!

Favorite Day of the Week.

Sunday

(I apologize this picture is out of focus). 

Every Sunday night Molly and I have dinner with four of our friends. We cooked dinner for everyone our first Sunday night here and a tradition was instantly born. We have since  kept it to homemade pizza, salad and beer out of simplicity, but it's the highlight of our week nonetheless. This past weekend we were able to enjoy dinner outside! Molly made the pizzas and I made coconut milk ice cream with brownie chunks topped with fresh blackberries for dessert- so good! This week we're thinking about switching it up and making fish tacos and margaritas since it'll be Cinco de Mayo!

Favorite Song.

Mirrors -Justin Timberlake

Laugh all you want, but I cannot stop listening to this song. I recognize the fact that it's nothing brilliant, but what can I say? I hear Justin's voice and the twelve-year-old girl in me comes out. His little dance at the end of this video is ridiculous, I can't take it seriously, but I can't help but love the guy anyway.

Favorite blog post.

3 Reasons Not to Take Life Too Seriously -My Little Celebration

I'm a huge fan of Dana. You may recognize her and her husband John from their blog Minimalist Baker (another one of my favorite blogs).This post was full of wise words that I needed to hear this week. I would summarize it, but you should really just head over there and read it for yourself.

Favorite Snack.

Frozen Grapes

I cannot remember who introduced me to them or where I was the first time I tried frozen grapes, but I do know it was life-changing. I realize that sounds slightly dramatic, but for someone who more times than not craves something sweet, cold and juicy at the end of the day this is a game-changer. They're usually my go-to movie snack. It's perfect if you're the type of person who enjoys popping something in your mouth (like buttery popcorn or chips) and the texture is great for satisfying that craving for ice cream. And it couldn't be easier! Buy grapes. Freeze grapes. Eat grapes.

Okay, I think that's all for this week's edition, come back next week to find out what other cool stuff I've come across. And I'll be back either later today or tomorrow with another recipe. For now, I've got some grocery shopping to do!

Happy Friday!

What are some of your favorite things this week?