Lemon, Vanilla, Lovable!

Lemon Extract

One thing I have learned in a life of nomadic migration, is that what is common in one part of the world may not be in another part of the world. It is a hard lesson to learn. You keep having to revisit it for a remedial review lesson that can at times be both frustrating and maddening. Extracts, here in Vienna, are not easy come by. The lesson is, If you want something, make it yourself. Otherwise it may be obscenely costly or just not available for purchase. And so, as my birthday is coming up in the not all too distant future, I decided it was high time to make some extracts. This way, I get to eat my birthday cake, even if alone, as those I am closest to are oceans away as usual.

Vanilla Extract

Making extract is easy, finding people to party with in a foreign place in any really meaningful way…. Not so easy. These are just two of the four kinds of extract I have made lately. The other two I am holding on to for a future post. So if you would like to know how to make rose and lavender extract, keep tuning into this blog because eventually, you will find out.

Vanilla extract photo 2

I started this project with the most simple intent. To make extracts. When I bought my vanilla beans they came in lovely little test tube vials. So I used those, and I turned them into containers for some lovely bath salt which I have also chronicled for this blog. For the bath salts, I bought some additional herbs/dried flowers, and ended up having enough to make a sachet. Sometimes starting with a simple project spirals into a whole collection of fun if one just follows the inspiration.

Lemon Extract

For making lemon extract you will need, several lemons, a grater, a clean bottle, and vodka. You begin, by grating the rind off your lemons. You want to fill your bottle or jar, about a third of the way full perhaps a little more as this is a soft flavoring as it is not made from fake flavoring. It’s real and all natural but to give it a tiny boost of strength fill the bottle to a little over half way with grated lemon rind. Pour your vodka in, close your extract in an airtight clean bottle/jar and let it sit in a cool dark place for about three weeks to a month. Your extract is ready for use. For vanilla extract….. Look elsewhere because I am too lazy to tell you. So let’s leave that a mystery for now shall we?

Vanilla Extract

I have embellished these bottles which are offered for sale on my Etsy shop with lace ribbon and an old key, from an old family farm in the alps. It makes for very very cutesy country packaging.

Well, that is all for now. I can’t wait to share some of the other extracts I have going right now with all of you.