Elevate your homemade baking gift baskets with the vibrant, citrusy charm of DIY Orange Extract! Crafted with just two simple yet essential ingredients—fresh organic oranges and smooth vodka—this recipe captures the essence of oranges in a rich, concentrated form that's perfect for enhancing baked goods or sweet treats. In just 15 minutes of prep and a little patience during the steeping process, you'll create a beautiful, golden extract with a robust orange aroma and flavor. Stored in a pretty jar and labeled with love, this homemade orange extract makes a thoughtful and unique addition to any gift basket, delighting bakers and food lovers alike. With its simple process, long shelf life, and handmade charm, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their gifts or kitchen pantry.
Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. If using non-organic oranges, scrub them lightly to remove any wax coating.
Use a vegetable peeler or sharp paring knife to carefully peel off the orange zest, avoiding the white pith as it can add a bitter flavor.
Place the orange zest into a clean and dry glass jar with a tight-sealing lid (a jar with an 8-ounce capacity is ideal).
Pour the vodka over the orange zest, ensuring that the zest is completely submerged. Stir gently to combine.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
Let the orange zest steep in the vodka for at least 4 weeks. Shake the jar gently once a week to help release the natural oils and flavors from the zest.
After 4 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean, sterilized jar or bottle. Discard the used zest.
Label the jar or bottle as 'Homemade Orange Extract' and note the creation date. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Use in recipes that call for orange extract, or gift it in baking gift baskets for family and friends!
Calories |
825 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.8 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 8 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.2 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.1 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 46.9 g | ||
| Protein | 5.0 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 237 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 921 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.