homemade gifts

Christmas is just around the corner. The economy is kind of sucky, but you still want to give your friends something small.

How about something homemade?

I recently gave away some homemade vanilla extract and some taco spices.

If you haven't made vanilla extract before, it is really easy. (Maybe you could try this for next Christmas?)

And the taco spices are a nice combination of different spices, beats the pre-packaged stuff!

Just put into small jam jars, wrap up, attach a card...you're good to go!

vanilla (week 8)

Well, it has been 8 weeks since I started making my own vanilla extract.

Let me tell you, it works. After 8 weeks, it smells like vanilla extract.

I think I put in about 10 pods and used a bottle and a half of vodka.

I actually had to use some of the vanilla extract the other week when I was making my carrot cupcakes.

I re-filled my empty vanilla extract bottle with some of the "new" vanilla extract. I didn't strain the liquid, just funneled it in.

Can't wait to start using this extract in baking.

If you can get your hands on some pods and some vodka, you should really try this.