Looking to give a gift that is made from the heart and home? MaMa Jean’s has got you covered! Here are a couple of simple recipes that will please anyone!
Vanilla Bean Extract
INGREDIENTS:
- 5-7 vanilla beans. The more vanilla beans you use, the stronger the flavor.
- 1 cup alcohol at least 80 proof. Vodka will give the clearest extract without changing the flavor much. Bourbon or rum will create a darker extract, and add an exquisite depth.
HOW TO:
You’ll need a glass container with a lid that can easily store 8 ounces of liquid. This is what you’ll make the extract in, and let it “ripen”.
- Pour 1 cup of your chosen alcohol into your glass container.
- Slice the vanilla beans vertically.
- Scrap out the inside of the bean and put into the alcohol.
- Place all of the used vanilla beans in the glass container as well, and then tighten the lid.
- Shake well. The extract needs to be periodically shaken, perhaps once a day, for at least 4-6 weeks.
- Pour into small glass containers, we find buying a small funnel is very helpful in this process! Add as large a piece of a vanilla bean as will fit. The longer the extract can ripen, the richer the flavor.
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are great for the immune system, especially when a family keeps recycling the same bug!
INGREDIENTS:
- 3/4 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, diced
- 1 cup raw honey
HOW TO:
- In a large pot, bring water and all ingredients except the honey to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer until reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.
- Allow liquid to cool, then drain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheese cloth.
- Press all of the liquid out of the berries using the back of a spoon.
- Add the raw honey, and mix well.
- Store in air-tight glass container in the refridgerator for up to 2 months!