Homemade almond extract is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavors of various culinary creations. With its rich almond essence and subtle notes of cherry, it adds a touch of sophistication to baked goods, desserts, and beverages. Making almond extract at home is a simple and rewarding process that yields a pure and flavorful extract.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces slivered almonds (blanched and raw)
- 4 ounces good vodka (80% proof or higher)
- Small jars or bottles for storage
Instructions:
- Prepare the almonds: Blanching the almonds is crucial. Drop them into boiling water for one minute, then strain them into a colander and peel them with your fingers.
- Combine ingredients: Place the peeled almonds in a jar or bottle and pour the vodka over them, filling the container to the top. Secure the lid tightly.
- Infuse: Store the mixture in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks. Shake it every few days to ensure even extraction.
- Strain and store: After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a dark bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Your homemade almond extract is now ready to use.
Tips:
- Use high-proof vodka to extract the maximum flavor from the almonds.
- If you don’t have blanched almonds, you can use regular almonds, but the extract will not be as clear.
- Store the extract in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and potency.
Benefits of Homemade Almond Extract:
- Pure and natural: Free from artificial colors, flavors, and chemical additives.
- Versatile: Enhances the taste of baked goods, desserts, and beverages.
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than store-bought extracts.
- Easy to make: A simple process that requires minimal effort.
Homemade almond extract is a culinary treasure that adds a touch of elegance and flavor to your creations. With its ease of preparation and pure ingredients, it’s a must-have for home cooks and bakers alike. Experiment with this versatile extract to elevate your culinary adventures.
Tips for Making Homemade Extracts
Locate a storage container: I discovered some jars at Michaels. Eight ounces or less of a smaller jar will do, as will any kind of bottle that is used to keep extracts. Amazon has genuine extract bottles if that’s what you’re looking for.
Consider Using Good Vodka: 80% proof or higher is the ideal level of proof for using good vodka in homemade extracts. The brand I used was Absolute Vodka.
Extract Flavors: Using this technique, you can create almost any flavor of extract you desire. Mint, lemon, orange, vanilla, you name it!.
The cost of a single vanilla bean pod at the grocery stores is really high. It is best to buy them in bulk online somewhere. Slit or indent the pods, then place them inside the jars!
Peel the rinds of oranges or lemons to extract the juice, being careful not to get any white pith on your skin.
To add a rich almond flavor to a variety of baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and pastries, homemade almond extract can be used. For a nutty twist, it can also be added to tea, coffee, and cocktails. To improve the flavor profile of savory foods like marinades, dressings, and sauces, it can also be used.
Blanched Skinless almonds work the best for homemade extract. Before I had used almonds with the skin on and that did not work. I was able to find raw blanched almonds in the organic section of my grocery store.365 Everyday Value, Almonds, Blanched & Slivered, 8 oz
If you tried this Homemade Almond Extract or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how you go in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
How to Make Homemade Extract
You will need whole raw almonds and vodka or another high-proof alcohol to make your own almond extract.
First, remove the almonds’ skins and blanch them before chopping them into small pieces. Make sure the chopped almonds are completely submerged in the alcohol after adding it to a jar.
For at least a month, store the jar tightly closed in a cool, dark place with occasional shaking.
After a month, pour the mixture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth and pour it into a dark bottle with a tight-fitting lid. You can now use your homemade almond extract in your preferred recipes!
Homemade Almond Extract – Results!
FAQ
Can you make almond extract from almonds?
How to make almond extract at home without alcohol?
How long is homemade almond extract good for?
What is the closest thing to almond extract?
How do you use almond extract?
Just like cinnamon this is to be used in small amounts as a flavoring. If your almond extract looks a little cloudy, strain it through a double thickness of cheesecloth or a coffee filter moistened with vodka. Everclear will make a slightly stronger extract due to the higher alcohol content.
What can be made with raw almonds?
You can grind them to make a flour that goes great with fruits and yogurt, use them in place of nuts to make pesto, make a mousse or pate, add to your granola, and even make sauce or almond milk.
How do you make homemade almond extract?
That will be the true test! To make homemade almond extract, you will need whole raw almonds and vodka or another high-proof alcohol. Start by blanching the almonds, removing their skins, and then chopping them into small pieces. Place the chopped almonds into a jar and pour the alcohol over them, making sure they are fully submerged.
Why should you use homemade almond extract?
Freshness: Homemade almond extract retains its freshness and potency since you prepare it in small batches as needed. Health Benefits: Homemade almond extract allows you to avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives commonly found in commercial extracts.