i've just hit on a new fun idea for some x-mas gifts this year.

i'm going to make my own vanilla. the ingredients are vanilla beans and vodka.
i got the recipe online and got some small mason jars to use. i plan to tie ribbon around the jar and then a label with the recipe.

the only thing is it takes 8 wks to "ferment" (for want of a better term) and even longer makes it better.

a few yrs ago i tried a liquer recipe and it came out great; like Bailey's.

I think I'd like your Vanilla in my fudge!!!!

yum, vodka in chocolate. anything's good with chocolate.

Riverwild posted a receipe for Bailey's a long time ago. I never tried it but you just reminded me of it. I'll have to look and see if it was on this site or another site.

Let us know how your vanilla vodka comes out. Careful with the testing though.

Hi there,
I just read your posts and I have to tell you that I used to make prunes in Port for my long departed ex-father in law. I forget exactly the spices (cinnamon I think) I used but I know they were very much appreciated.

Dulce de Leche (the easy way)

pour sweetened cond milk into clean canning jars (I use the pint jars). Leave about 1/2 - 1" of headrom. Stir in 1 tsp real vanilla extract in each jar. Clean rims, cap snugly.

Put jars in a crockpot. Pour in water to 1" above lids. Cook on low approx 7hrs. Do not lift crock pot lid. Only cook on low (do not try high or auto as it will not stay smooth & will be a gloppy disaster).

When done, cool and dry. Screw rings can be removed if you want to add a fabric cover under rings for a decoration. Lida self seal. Stays good at least 2 months in my fridge. Can be used on all sorts of things, similar to caramel (dulce de leche is a Mexican type of caramel, very creamy and not overly sweet)