Honey-Vanilla Spring Spritzer

If you haven't started already, its time to embrace spring.  Here in the south, we get about 1 week of real spring weather, and I fear its already come and gone.  But I'm coaxing it back with this drink.  This is the kind of thing you sit on a big porch with.  Or in a lawn chair under a shade tree.  Or on a tiny city apartment balcony.  That last one might only be applicable to me.  Anyway you want to drink it, this is the perfect spring spritzer.

Honey-Vanilla Spring Spritzer
Martha Stewart Living Magazine - April 2010

2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup water
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
4 cups chilled seltzer

Bring honey, water, vanilla bean and seeds to a simmer in a small saucepan.  Cook, stirring until honey is dissolved.  Let cool completely.  Strain through a fine mesh sieve.  There will be some seeds left in the strained liquid.  Stir in lime juice.

Divide liquid among 4 ice-filled glasses.  Top with chilled seltzer.

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Homemade Vanilla

What I'm about to show you might make you really happy. It also might make you kick yourself for spending allll that money on this little ingredient. I'm going to be honest, both of these things will happen. I'm talking about vanilla today. As in the extract. As in costs-about-one-million-dollars-a-drop vanilla. Maybe I'm exaggerating. But really, if you're buying the real stuff, it's not cheap. So here's a little late Christmas present, because I'm here to tell you can make your own!

Yes! I'm not kiddin' ya.

And the best part, it only takes two ingredients. Simple simple. This method may be more expensive than just running to the store and buying a bottle initially, but I promise you'll be saving the dough shortly after you make it.


Here we go:
Homemade Vanilla

1 cup vodka
3 vanilla beans

Cut open each vanilla bean lengthwise with the tip of a knife, leaving about one inch intact on the end. Place the vanilla beans into desired jar or container. Cover with 1 cup vodka. Close the jar and store in a cool, dark place. Give it a shake every once in a while.

Its best to wait about a month or so before using your homemade vanilla. That way the ingredients have a chance to mix and mingle and get cozy with each other.

Here's the best part: You can use the beans over and over again. Just top your jar off with vodka when it gets a little low, and you'll be in business for years. This little gem makes a great gift too. Double the trouble.

P.S. - I know that vanilla beans can be a little costly. My secret is a little site known as eBay. Yes, you read that right. You can buy beans on eBay. And they're MUCH cheaper than in gourmet kitchen stores.

Enjoy!

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