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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Active Working Time: 15 minutes
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Aging / Steep Time: 8 to 12 weeks (Minimum 6 weeks for light flavor; optimal balance at 8–12 weeks)
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Yield: Approx. 2 cups (16 fl oz / 480 ml)
Flavor & Process Intensities
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Process Difficulty: Easy (1/5)
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Flavor Intensity: High (4.5/5) — Rich, complex, warm vanilla front note with a bitter dark chocolate finish.
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Aroma Intensity: Very High (5/5) — Deep, sweet, floral vanilla paired with heavy cacao bean aromas.
Ingredients
To achieve a true “Double Fold” artisanal quality extract, focus on raw, high-grade ingredients:
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Vanilla Beans: 6 whole Grade B extract-grade vanilla beans (Madagascar Bourbon for sweet warmth, or Tahitian for floral notes).
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Cacao Nibs: $\frac{1}{2}$ cup (approx. 50g) raw or lightly roasted organic cacao nibs.
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Alcohol Base: 2 cups (16 fl oz / 480 ml) 80-proof (40% ABV) unflavored vodka, light rum, or bourbon.
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Vodka offers the cleanest neutral profile.
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Bourbon adds a rich, caramel-oak undertone that pairs beautifully with dark cacao.
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Equipment Needed
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1 clean, airtight 16 oz (or two 8 oz) glass bottle or Mason jar (preferably amber or dark glass)
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Sharp paring knife
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Cutting board
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Small kitchen funnel
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Fine-mesh sieve and cheesecloth (for final straining)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vanilla Beans
Place your vanilla beans on a clean cutting board. Using the tip of a sharp paring knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise down the middle, leaving the ends intact or cutting them completely in half. Splitting the pods exposes the thousands of tiny vanilla seeds (“caviar”) to the liquid, accelerating infusion.
Step 2: Combine Nibs and Vanilla
Add the cacao nibs to the bottom of your sterilized glass bottle or jar using a small funnel. Gently insert the split vanilla beans into the bottle alongside the nibs.
Step 3: Pour the Spirits
Pour your chosen 80-proof alcohol over the vanilla beans and cacao nibs, ensuring all solids are completely submerged. Submersion prevents mold growth and guarantees even extraction. Seal the cap tightly.
Step 4: Initial Agitation
Shake the bottle vigorously for 30 seconds to disperse the vanilla seeds and saturate the cacao nibs.
Step 5: The Steep Process
Store your extract bottle in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight (such as a pantry or kitchen cupboard).
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Week 1–2: Shake the bottle every day for 10–15 seconds.
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Week 3–8: Shake the bottle once or twice a week. You will notice the alcohol shifting from clear to a rich, dark mahogany amber color within the first 14 days.
Step 6: Strain and Bottle (Optional)
After 8 to 12 weeks, test the aroma and a drop of extract mixed into a spoon of milk or sugar. Once the extract reaches your desired intensity:
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Line a fine-mesh sieve with double-layered cheesecloth or a unbleached coffee filter.
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Pour the extract through the filter into its final decorative dark glass serving bottle to remove the spent cacao nibs and pod fibers.
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Tip: You can leave the split vanilla pods inside the liquid continuously for ongoing flavor extraction!
Culinary Applications & Storage
Storage
Store your finished extract at room temperature in a tightly sealed glass vessel. Because of the 40% alcohol base, pure extract has an indefinite shelf-life and does not require refrigeration. Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
How to Use
Use this extract in a 1:1 ratio wherever standard vanilla extract is called for, especially in:
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Dark chocolate brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and flourless chocolate cakes.
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Warm beverages like espresso, hot chocolate, or mocha lattes.
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Dairy desserts like vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate pot de crème, or whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Because extracts are consumed in small medicinal-level spoonfuls as a flavor enhancement rather than a bulk ingredient, the caloric contribution to finished recipes is negligible.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
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Serving Size: 1 tsp (5 ml)
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Servings Per Batch: Approx. 96 tsp
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 12 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Alcohol | 1.4 g |