Just about every baking recipe calls for some form of
extract, vanilla, mint, orange or even peppermint, in order to give the baked
item more flavor. How about trying
something different - flavored oils instead.
First let us explore how both are made before deciding on
whether or not we should use an extract or a flavored oil.
Extracts are made by combining a specific item such as
vanilla bean with alcohol, usually brandy, vodka or bourbon. This is a very
long process which extracts the flavor out of the vanilla bean by steeping it
in alcohol for a long period of time. Not ever steeping turns out the way you
want it, therefore, you must be patient when doing this the old fashioned way.
Flavored oils, however, are made by squeezing the essence oil
from the ingredient itself. Take for example, almond oil is made by
pressing the almonds after harvesting to move the active oil from the nut while
it's fresh. Therefore, when using flavored oils you can enhance the flavor in
the cookie, fillings, or candy you are making. Please note that the flavored
oils can be unstable; so when buying them, only buy what you need to use for
various recipes. If you store flavored oils, be sure it's in a cool dry place
in a sealed dark bottle, like your fridge.
Note: If your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of extract, cut the amount in half when using flavored oil. Oils will be more concentrated.
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