Making Vanilla Extract!

Vanilla Beans from Amazon, Vodka made from grapes (not grain or potatoes), sharp knife, instructions from Surviving the Stores.

Slice vanilla bean lengthwise.

Make sure to open up the pod a bit.

Pour out some of the vodka, and begin placing cut beans into bottle.

New vanilla compared with 4 month old vanilla.


Place in a dark corner of your pantry. Shake every few days.

When ready (from 3 to 6 months) pour into old vanilla bottles. :)
Top off the bottle with more vodka. Some cooks have been topping their vanilla extract off with vodka for 10 years or more. We shall see.

Canning madness

Making Apple Butter


Strawberry Jam


Canning


Dehyrdating


Blueberries


Mangos


Ice chest and totes full of frozen fruit!

Current Projects

I have a few projects stirring in the pot at the moment:

Homemade vanilla

Dotted landscapes.. See my newest art below

Whole house design and decorating for a very blessed Air Force Wife

Canning/Dehydrating 220 lbs of frozen fruit

Cleaning up fall and pulling out Christmas

Baking up goodies for 2 awesome deployed Air Force men

Starting the baking list for the Office Christmas baskets

Crafting up 100+ Christmas cards

Whew. I leave for Denver this week and I hope I am able to get some things crossed off this list.
Speaking of decorating and designing for a new couple, do you have any quick, frugal ideas that I can put together in a week and/or take it with me on the plane?