Homemade Vanilla

Homemade Vanilla is the new craze....Here are a couple of alcohol free versions I want to try.

A good alcohol free substitute would be to make a vanilla syrup. It is a simple syrup made with vanilla beans. As follows:

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1 Tb. corn syrup
12 vanilla beans (more for stronger flavor)

1.Bring the sugar, corn syrup and water to a boil in a heavy medium saucepan over high heat. Split and scrape the vanilla beans and add entire bean and scrapings to the saucepan.

2.Reduce the heat to medium-low.
3.Simmer, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved, 6 to 8 minutes.
4.Let cool completely.
5.Transfer to an airtight container. Do not strain out the beans as they will add to the flavor over time
6.Refrigerate or store in a COOL dark place for several weeks.
To top off make a new batch or half batch and add to previously made vanilla syrup.

The more beans you use the stronger the flavor and it only gets better over time.
To make a thicker syrup increase cooking time.
To more easily pour syrup set container in a warm water bath til heated through.
You can also add vanilla beans to honey for a unique flavor.

This is an alcohol free recipe from a radio station. I haven’t tried it, so I don’t know how it compares.

Alcohol Free Version:
2 vanilla beans
12 oz glycerin
4 oz warm water
Slit bean down middle and scrape downs seeds. Place both in glycerin and warm water. (softens pod) Place in dark place. Let sit for a month or so. Shake often.