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Carrot Cupcakes

 Carrot   Cupcakes Everyone seems to love Carrot Cake,  what I also like about them is how wonderfully moist they are and how flavorful they taste. I love this Carrot Cupcake recipe because it's so easy to make. No mixer is required. The time consuming part is the grating of the fresh carrots. I have included applesauce in the cupcake batter which, along with the oil, makes these cupcakes so moist. But, if you like, you could use an equal amount of grated apple or even crushed pineapple. You can also add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of currants or raisins to the batter. Carrot Cakes became popular with the health food craze of the 1970s. There are many theories on the origin of this cake, some say it descended from the English's baked carrot puddings or European steamed carrot puddings. Others say it may have come from German carrot breads. Carrots were used in European sweet cakes since the Middle Ages when other sweeteners were hard to find or just too expensive. In fact, carr...
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How To Make Vanilla Extract (Homemade Vanilla)

How To Make Vanilla Extract (Homemade Vanilla)
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make vanilla extract? Homemade Vanilla Extract is prized for its rich, complex flavor and incredibly smooth aroma. There simply is no substitute. Enhance your baking to a whole new level with this easy to follow homemade vanilla extract recipe that only needs a few simple ingredients.
Many people are often familiar with clear or imitation vanilla extract. The difference between pure vanilla and imitation vanilla is simple; pure vanilla extract is made from whole vanilla beans extracted using 35%+ alcohol - that's it! Don't be fooled by extracts that claim to be pure. Imitation and clear vanilla utilize artificial flavors and harmful chemicals. Pure vanilla extract should be dark brown; the color of Vanilla Beans used in the extraction process.
You know a good vanilla extract when you unscrew the bottle and inhale.  Imitation and lower quality pure extracts just lack the same depth and combination of fruity and earthy notes in their aroma.  Nothing beats quality vanilla extract.  But top quality vanilla extracts are expensive.  Guess what?  You can make your own homemade vanilla extract that will taste BETTER than the best store-bought extracts and at a FRACTION OF THE COST!
All you have to do is do four steps:
1.Slice.
2.Pour.
3.Shake.
4.Wait.
NOTE: As the days goes color of the vodka will turn dark!!!
I like to make larger quantities to extract to allow them to age for at least a year before using it.
It makes the perfect hostess gift when you’re invited over somewhere, a great gift for your child’s teacher, a get-well-soon gift, or for any occasion you want to send the message “I’m thinking of you.”

What Kind of Alcohol is Best for Making Vanilla Extract?

You can use any alcohol.  The best and most popular choices are vodka, bourbon, brandy, or rum.
Vodka is the most versatile because it has a neutral flavor.  If you’re using vodka don’t worry about splurging for the expensive brands because it really doesn’t make a significant difference.  Go for a cheaper brand – it’s the quality of the vanilla beans that counts.

Which Vanilla Beans are Best for Making Vanilla Extract?

Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans are the most popular and what I use by far the most.  Another option is Tahitian vanilla beans.  A third option is Mexican vanilla beans.  Each have their own subtle nuances.
  • Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla – what most people associate with vanilla flavor.  Full, creamy, sweet and mellow flavor with long-lasting flavor tones.
  • Tahitian Vanilla – floral aroma with cherry-like, licorice and caramel flavor tones.
  • Mexican Vanilla – both sweet and woody flavor tones with spicy hint of cloves and nutmeg.

How Long Does Vanilla Extract Need to Age?

Aside from the quality of the vanilla beans themselves, the most important factor that determines the quality of your finished vanilla extract is how long you allow the vanilla extract to age.
While you can use it in as little as 8 weeks the flavor becomes vastly superior the longer it ages.  Optimally you should wait at least 6 months and for the best results wait 12 months.  12-month aged pure vanilla extract – it’s gold!   I’m currently using 24-month aged vanilla – it’s even better!

Can You Reuse Vanilla Beans?

Yes and no.  You can reuse them to make another batch of extract but keep in mind that they will have lost some of their potency and so the next batch will not be as strong.  What I’ll do if I’m reusing them is combine the “old” ones with “new” ones to make a new batch.
Lets cook with step-by-step pictures.

Now lets see how to cook:

How To Make Vanilla Extract (Homemade Vanilla)




Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Most recipes for homemade vanilla extract call for 2-3 vanilla beans per cup of vodka.  We’re going to use 5 per cup.  This will result in a more potent vanilla extract that will make your baked goods and desserts soar.  That will also enable you to use less extract in a recipe to get just as much vanilla flavor without any alcohol flavor.
Author: Shalini
Recipe type:Baking Recipe
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
  • Vanilla pods - 2
  • Vodka -As per required to fill your bottle size.
Instructions
  1. Slice each bean once long-ways and place in bottle. (If it helps to cut them into smaller, tootsie roll-sized pieces so they fit in the bottle more easily, go for it).
  2. Pour one cup of vodka, rum or alcohol of your choice. Make sure vanilla beans are completely submerged.
  3. Shake once or twice per day.
  4. Wait about 8 weeks.
    Store it at room temp and out of direct sunlight, and you can enjoy this puppy till the last drop.
Pictorial:
Take vanilla pods.

Slice long on both the pods.

Cut into half if you need.

Scrap the vanilla if you need.

Add into the bottle.


Pour vodka into it.

Close the lid.

Shake well, you have to keep shaking it everyday so that the vanilla pods get emerged into vodka well.

Cover the bottle and store in dark place away from direct sunlight.



Hope you give a try!!!!!!!!
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