Homemade Vanilla Extract

Bottomless Vanilla Extract

This Christmas several friends and family were recipients of homemade vanilla extract.  The recipe is simple... Vodka and split vanilla beans and a couple of months (for it to become vanilla-y).  What is great about this is that you may never have to buy vanilla extract again.  When the bottle starts to get low just add more vodka.  When it starts to lose the essence of vanilla just remove the old beans and add new split vanilla beans.  Simple!  

I found these great bottles at Specialty Bottle and the labels at myownlabels. 

I will be making more of these very soon!!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!!

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

Filling

6 C - Apples, peeled and thinly sliced

1/2 C - Sugar

3 Tbls - Flour

1 tsp - Cinnamon

1/8 tsp - Salt

Crumb Topping

1 C - Brown Sugar

1/2 C - Flour

1/2 C - Quick Cooking Oats

1/2 C - Butter

Finishing Touch

1/2 C - Pecans, chopped

1/4 C - Caramel Topping

Plus Pastry for one pie

Prepare pastry for pie.  I use a Pillsbury Pie Crust, but if you prefer you can make your own pastry.  Line a 9" pie plate with pastry.  Trim and crimp edges as desired.

Prepare the crumb topping.  Stir together sugar, flour and oats.  Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt.  Add apple slices and gently toss to coat.  Transfer apple mixture to pastry lined pie plate.

Sprinkle crumb topping over apple mixture.  

To prevent over-browning, cover edge of pie with foil.  Bake 25 minutes at 375.   Remove foil and bake an additional 25 - 30 minutes or until top is golden.  Remove from oven.  Sprinkle with pecans and drizzle with caramel topping.

Cool on wire rack.

Enjoy! 

This recipe is a family favorite.  I hope it becomes one of your favorites as well!!