Unfortunately in this country, none of us are going to go out and find some vanilla beans for turning into extract. If you haven't noticed, the price of vanilla has skyrocketed due to a vanilla bean shortage. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, and that fact isn't likely to change soon. The days of getting a pint of vanilla extract for ten bucks are long gone. At current prices of about sixty dollars per pint, a mere teaspoon of vanilla costs sixty-two cents. Ouch. And I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do to fix that.
However, we can make our own almond and lemon extracts. Yes, almonds and lemons may be hard to come by, but we still might come across them and it would be nice to be able to make use of them. So here we go.
Almond Extract
- Take 12-15 almonds and put them in boiling water for one minute, no more, no less.
- After one minute, remove from the boiling water and immediately immerse in cold water and remove the almond skins.
- Toss the skins and dry the almonds well.
- Chop the almonds and put them in a pint jar.
- Cover with 40% alcohol, such as 80-proof vodka.
- Replace lid on jar and put it in a dark cabinet.
- Shake daily for at least one month, preferably three months, as the flavor improves with time.
- Strain the extract through a fine sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth.
- Discard the almonds and pour the extract into a dark glass bottle.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Lemon Extract
- Put the zest (just the yellow--no white) from two lemons, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 cup of vodka (40 percent alcohol, or 80-proof) in a 1/2 pint canning jar.
- Replace lid on jar and put it in a dark cabinet.
- Shake daily for at least one month, preferably three months, as the flavor improves with time.
- Strain the extract through a fine sieve, coffee filter, or cheesecloth.
- Discard the lemon zest and pour the extract into a dark glass bottle.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
https://homesteadsurvivalsite.com/homemade-extract-recipes-alcohol
