Vanilla extract substitute & remoska question!

butterfly72

I'm making some shortbread which asks for one tsp of vanilla extract or paste. I dont have any but do have vanilla pods. Is vanilla paste the seeds from the pods?!:o if not how many pods should i use. Thanks.

Also, the recipe says 170 cel for 20-30mins. Do you think using the remoska will be too hot? Has anyone been sucessful baking shortbread in the remmy?

Thanks

BitterAndTwisted

God only knows what vanilla paste is, I'm guessing here but it could be what you scrape out from the inside of the pod. How many depends on how big they are, I'd use just the one.

No experience of Remoksas, sorry.

I've never encountered a shortbread recipe which required vanilla. What is it? Plain, ordinary shortbread made with real, tasty butter shouldn't need any vanilla. I think that might be what is called "gilding the lily"!

butterfly72

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

I've never encountered a shortbread recipe which required vanilla. What is it? Plain, ordinary shortbread made with real, tasty butter shouldn't need any vanilla. I think that might be what is called "gilding the lily"!

Its a jamie o recipe.. Scottish sb with lemon thyme and vanilla. I had some lemon thyme leftover and no biccys in the house! I'll let yoy know how it tastes!


Thanks.

nuatha

Vanilla Bean Paste is finely ground vanilla pods (including the seeds) in a sugar syrup with thickening agents (and sometimes preservatives and flavour enhancers)
Split and scrape your pod and use the seeds in the recipe. Decant some caster (or granulated) sugar into a jar and put the pod in the middle. Give it a week or three and you'll have vanilla sugar for next time.
Incidentally if you have pods and vodka you have all you need for making your own extract, split the pods (leave the seeds in place) put in a jar or bottle cover with vodka, keep in a dark place, shake weekly. Its usable after about 6 weeks, best left for 10-12, and keeps almost indefinitely, just keep the pods covered with liquid - you can even top it up with more vodka and just repeat the shake weekly for 6 weeks.

Sorry can't help with the remoska.

butterfly72

Well i have to say its delicious! I'll definately make it again! (lemon thyme leaves, lemon zest and vanilla.. simples).

Thanks nuatha for the used pod tip, ill stick it in a jar with some caster sugar for next time.

nuatha

butterfly72 wrote: »

Well i have to say its delicious! I'll definately make it again! (lemon thyme leaves, lemon zest and vanilla.. simples).


Thanks nuatha for the used pod tip, ill stick it in a jar with some caster sugar for next time.

You're welcome.
Even if you've tempted me into finding some lemon thyme