Can you drink vanilla extract without cooking it?

Answer 1

Ingredients:

1 cup (8oz 250ml) 70-90 proof Vodka*

2-3 vanilla beans

Dark glass 8oz container with airtight seal

Directions:

Split beans lengthwise starting approx 1/2" from either end (leave the ends attached)

Place beans in container & pour Vodka over beans

Seal container & put in a dark cool (not refrigerated) area

Shake container gently every 7-10 days to loosen any sediment

Allow 6-8 weeks for extract to "mature"

After maturation use in any recipe just as you would a commercial vanilla exrtract

notes:

*You can substitute Brandy or Light Rum for Vodka

After using approximately 1/2 of the extract you can add more liquor and it will mature to original strength in about 4 weeks

The beans will retain their ability to make extract for approximately 9-12 months

After exhausting the beans you can chop them up to add vanilla flavor to recipes

Answer 2

Not really, but cutting vanilla beans and storing in sugar will make vanilla sugar. The alcohol is merely a solvent to break down the vanilly bean. Maybe pulverize the bean to a paste and use it that way? The alcohol is so little it cooks out anyway.......

Answer 3

Vanilla extract can be made by placing a whole vanilla bean in a small jar or bottle, then filling the bottle with vodka, Bourbon or some other liquor. Seal tightly and let it sit unopened for several weeks. The vanilla flavor will intensify over time. If a flavorful liquor is used, the resulting extract will have the taste of the liquor as well as the vanilla bean.

Answer 4

Yes, you can. It would be safe, but it's unusual for someone to drink vanilla extract.