Lemon Extract

OK, my vanilla is still in the marinating stage.  I am finding it takes months to get it to the right place.  My friend who made me some vanilla several years ago.  it  is the BEST vanilla ever!  and it is dark, rich, fragrant,  and oh so yummy. 

I am patient.  I can wait.  So, I have a couple of friends who have lemon trees.  And they are generous.  Thanks gals!!! 

Soooo, with that being said, I am going to make lemon extract.  whew!  Hubby bought the vodka for me.  He is such a sweetie.  I feel so guilty when I have to do that.  silly I know.  But that is just the way it is....

So here are my beautiful lemons.  this is just some of them.  16 here. all zested. 

 

 

16 lemons and that is all the zest you get!!!  these lemons were smaller than the meyer lemons another friend gave me. 

and here is the bottle with 3 cups of vodka, the zest of 16 lemons.  in a month, we will see what we have.  I just need to shake the jar from time to time.  And yes the jar is green.  so you can't really see what it looks like. 

But I can tell you my hands smell like lemons, my home smells like lemon.  Love the smell! 
hugs....

Another Vanilla story.......

I shared I was making vanilla extract for Christmas.  I kept looking at my two quart jars that are full and brewing my vanilla.  Is that going to be enough?  Will I get any?  I think I need more!!! 

Sigh.... So I have to buy some....  I am at the grocery store, walking down the aisle where all the beer and alcohol is.  In my mind I am thinking, please don't let me see anyone I know!!!  This is silly I know.  but I don't drink, I know nothing about vodka or rum.  I finally find the vodka.  there is a man looking also.  He asks me, "what are you looking for hon?  I reply the cheapest Vodka!  So he helps me find what I need.  then he starts sharing with me about screwdrivers, and other drinks you can make with Vodka.  My eyes start glazing over.  I just want to buy it and leave as quickly as possible!  I tell him, I am going to make vanilla.  Vanilla? as in cookies?  Yes, Vanilla extract that would be used in cookies.  I tell him thank you and continue shopping.  I covered up the vodka with groceries..... 

I see this man again several isles later.  he asks Vanilla extract?  made with Vodka?  Yes, told him how to make it.  He just shakes his head, muttering What a waste...... 

It was on sale.  I brought home.  made my vanilla!

 

I cut of the ends of the vanilla beans to hurry up the process.  My hands smell like vanilla.  My home smells like vanilla. 

I did have to explain why there was a bottle of vodka on the counter! 

 

hugs.....