Biscuits for the freezer or not....

Biscuits for the freezer or not....                           Makes 25 to 30 biscuits
6 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus extra for counter
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2 cups heavy cream

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat..
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. Stir in the cream until a dough forms, about 30 seconds. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather into a ball. Knead the dough briefly until smooth, about 1 minute.
Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle. Cut out biscuits using a 2 1/2-inch round  biscuit cutter. Cut out as many as possible. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather scraps of dough a knead together briefly, then pat out again and cut more biscuits. Repeat again.
Preparing For the Freezer:
Wrap the baking sheet tightly with sprayed plastic wrap and freeze the biscuits for about 6 hours. Transfer frozen biscuits to a large resealable bag and freeze for up to 1 month.
Prepare after Freezing:
Do not thaw biscuits. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450. Place frozen biscuits on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake one baking sheet at a time, until puffed and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
To Serve Without Freezing:
Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450. Bake one sheet at a time, for about 15-20 minutes.

Recipe adapted from The Best Make-Ahead Recipe by Cook’s Illustrated.

For more freezer ideas here is a great site you may want to check out.....
http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/freezer-meal-recipes-master-list

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.