Here is a recipe for homemade Orange extract. Of course you could make Lemon – or Lime – extract if you preferred, but I think Orange is probably more useful. I’m already having thoughts about making Orange and Clove extract for festive recipes towards the end of the year – I might have to go easy with the cloves though..
The great thing about this is that Oranges – or Lemons, or Limes – are available all year round, so you can rustle up a batch any old time.
Here’s a 250-300mls jar with the carefully shaved rind of a lovely unwaxed orange – paddling happily.
Orange Extract:
- Pick a suitable jar – about 250-300mls capacity, with a really good seal – a Kilner-type jar is ideal. Wash and dry it, or put it through the dishwasher to make sure it’s properly clean.
- Wash and dry one or two oranges – preferably unwaxed. If they are waxed, give the skin a gentle scrub with a vegetable brush to remove as much of the wax as possible. Dry the fruit.
- Using a potato peeler, gently remove thin layers of the orange zest. Do your best not to take any pith, as this gives the whole thing a nasty bitter taste.
- Put the orange peel into your chosen jar
- Top off with about 300mls Vodka.
- Seal and put into a cool dry place.
- Shake every couple of days.
- This should be ready in 3-4 weeks..
- Decant into dark glass bottles and have fun using it!
Think about adding a capful to a Madeira cake, to a Victoria Sponge, or to your favourite Pancake recipe – the options are endless! I put a capful of (bought) Orange Extract into some Rhubarb recently, which I then roasted – the flavour was delicious!