Escoffier On Line

Hello. I'm new to this forum and I have a question about homemade vanilla extract. I just made some for the first time, and since we already have a full bottle of store-bought stuff to use up, I thought I'd experiment with my homemade version by tossing in some more spices--cinnamon and cardamom.

I used an 8-oz bottle, which I filled with 100-proof bourbon, and I added two split vanilla beans, one stick of cinnamon, and 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods.

Later, on the internet, I read about homemade cardamom extract, and I learned that the pods should not sit in the alcohol for more than 2 or 3 days, or else the extract turns very bitter. The ratio for these recipes is 1/2 cup pods to 1 cup vodka.

So, I am far below the ratio for cardamom extract. But, my question is: Should I worry about removing the 4 pods? Will they turn my vanilla extract too bitter if I leave them in? It's not that big of a deal, but it would kind of be a hassle to fish them out and strain out any stray seeds

Thanks for your help!!

Why not take out a few drops after a couple of days and taste it.

My guess is the bitterness comes from the large amount of the cardamon.

Let us know.

Cheers,

G