Gluten-Free Homemade Vanilla Extract ~ A Gift to Yourself & Others

I used to make vanilla extract with bourbon, not knowing much about liquor.  Did you know bourbon is made with ground corn and rye?  Who'd have thunk that vanilla extract could contain gluten?  So I have switched over to using vodka when making vanilla extract, making it gluten-free and GAPS friendly.

Making your own vanilla extract tastes better, takes minutes to make, and saves money.  The only thing I have to get over?  Buying a bottle of vodka with four kids and all the looks I get.  Especially when I'm eight months pregnant.  I have to resist the urge to tell the cashier and everyone who walks by my cart that I'm making vanilla extract!  Don't judge!  Oh well.  It's worth the superior vanilla extract I'll soon enjoy and have ready to use as gifts, not to mention the money saving bit (see below for ideas).

So here's whatcha need:

• 1 liter vodka (be sure to check that the vodka was distilled with potatoes and not grains)
• 12 vanilla beans

And here's whatcha do:

1. Cut a slit down each vanilla bean, lengthwise.  Then cut them all in half.

1. Drain about one once vodka from the bottle and stick vanilla beans in the bottle.  Set in a dark place (like a cupboard) for at least 6 weeks before using, giving it a gentle whirl when you think about it.  The longer it sits, the better and darker it gets.

Even more money-saving tips:

Save empty spice jars to have on hand when you want to give some vanilla extract as a gift/to add to a gift basket.

When the extract is all used up, use vanilla beans instead of extract in recipes that require a blender or food processor.  A general rule of thumb:  1 teaspoon vanilla extract equals 1/2 vanilla bean.  You can use vanilla beans in the following recipes:

• Perfectly Frothy Raw How Cocoa
• 2-Minute Raw Egg(less) Nog
• Raw Apple Pie Kefir Smoothies
• Raw Strawberry Cacao Smoothies
• Raw Blueberry Bliss Kefir Smoothies
• Soaked German (Dutch Baby) Pancakes
• Raw Coconut Creme Pie with Fudgy Crust
• Raw Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart
• Lara(ish) Bars
• Gluten-Free Orange Muffins

Okay friends.  It's your turn.  Go buy some vodka.  You can do it.  Just picture an 8-month-pregnant me waddling through this task.  And after you're done laughing, get on wit yo bad self!

~ Browse more Riddlelove recipes here. ~

I'm sharing this at Monday Mania, Real Food Wednesday, Fight Back Friday.

Bulk Cooking: 20-Minute Enchilada Sauce ~ A Recipe

With this babe of mine due in eight short weeks, I find myself wanting to squirrel away as much food as possible to fall back on during that season in Infantland.  Buying enchilada sauce has been one of the last store-bought sauces found in our pantry, and I just couldn't bear buying another jar.  This recipe is quick, rich, and freezes really well.  I'm freezing mine in pint-sized mason jars; the perfect amount for a pan o' enchiladas (a very good freezer meal, while we're on the subject) and there may be some some to spare to make dressing for a tasty enchilada salad.

20-Minute Enchilada Sauce
Makes 6 cups

• 1/4 cup nourishing fat of choice (expeller-pressed coconut oil is my choice for this recipe)
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder whisked into 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup chili powder
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 3, 7-ounce jars tomato paste (I use this BPA-free kind in glass jars)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (ever cooked with the fresh kind?  It's no bueno)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (don't knock it till ya try it)
• 1 1/4 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

1. In a large pot, heat fat of choice over medium-high heat until melted.  Meanwhile, whisk arrowroot powder in water until smooth.  Add to fat.  Add chili powder & stir for about half a minute.  The arrowroot will get really gelatinous.  Don't let it scare you.
2. Whisk in all remaining ingredients except the salt in the pot.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir in salt.  Pour in prepared 1/2-pint or 1-pint mason jars & allow to cool.  Fasten the lids and freeze until you're ready to use.

~ Browse more Riddlelove recipes here. ~

I'm sharing this at Monday Mania, Barn Hop, Real Food Wednesday, SImple Lives Thursday, Pennywise Platter, Fresh Bites Friday, Fight Back Friday.