Homemade Adams Extract Vanilla Natural & Artificial Flavor Twice As Strong Extract Recipe: Customizable Concentrated Vanilla

Category: Extract

Introduction

Adams Extract has been a trusted name in flavor extracts since 1905, known for their high-quality vanilla products. Their Vanilla Natural & Artificial Flavor Twice As Strong Extract is a favorite among bakers and chefs, offering an intense vanilla flavor that enhances any dish without adding excess liquid. Making this extract at home allows for customization, better control over ingredients, and cost savings. This recipe captures the essence of Adams' product while offering a healthier, more personalized alternative.

A personal journey of experimentation led to this recipe, involving trial and error with various vanilla bean quantities and steeping times to achieve the perfect concentrated flavor. The result is a robust, versatile extract that rivals store-bought versions.

Why Make It at Home?

• Customization: Adjust the strength and flavor profile to your liking.
• Healthier Options: Use minimal additives and high-quality ingredients.
• Cost-Effective: Save money by making larger batches.
• Freshness: Ensure your extract is always at peak flavor.

Personal Anecdote

After struggling with inconsistent flavors from store-bought extracts, I embarked on creating my own. Months of tweaking ratios and steeping times finally yielded an extract that surpasses commercial offerings in both flavor and flexibility.

Recipe Details

• **Prep Time:15 minutes
• **Cook Time:0 minutes
• **Total Time:4 weeks (including steeping)
• **Yield:1 cup (240 ml)

Ingredients

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral spirit (vodka recommended)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• 1/4 tsp brown sugar (optional, for color)
• 4 high-quality vanilla beans (Madagascar or Tahitian)

Instructions

• Prepare Vanilla Beans: Slice each bean lengthwise and open to expose seeds.
• Combine Liquids: In a clean glass bottle, mix vodka, water, and brown sugar until dissolved.
• Steep Beans: Submerge vanilla beans in the liquid, ensuring they are fully covered.
• Store: Keep in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks, shaking the bottle every few days.
• Strain: After steeping, strain the extract through a fine-mesh sieve into another bottle. Store the beans for future use.

Variations

• Non-Alcoholic: Replace vodka with glycerin for a kid-friendly version.
• Different Flavors: Experiment with various vanilla bean types for unique profiles.
• Adjust Strength: Add more beans for a stronger flavor.

Pro Tips

• Quality Matters: High-quality beans ensure superior flavor.
• Dark Storage: Protect from light to preserve color and flavor.
• Patience: Longer steeping enhances flavor intensity.

Nutritional Comparison

FAQ

• Shelf Life: Lasts indefinitely when stored properly.
• Substitutions: Use glycerin for a non-alcoholic version.
• Adjusting Strength: Add more beans for a stronger extract.

Serving Suggestions

• Baking: Enhance cakes, cookies, and custards.
• Desserts: Add depth to ice cream and puddings.
• Savory Dishes: Use sparingly in sauces or braising liquids.

Conclusion

This homemade extract offers the same great flavor as Adams' product with the benefits of customization and healthier ingredients. Try it today and experience the difference of freshly made, concentrated vanilla extract. Share your creations and enjoy the versatility of this kitchen staple.