Tuesday, January 22, 2013

homemade stevia extract


Last weekend I made stevia extract following Kristen's directions here using dried stevia leaves and 80 proof vodka brewed for exactly 36 hours. I've never been a fan of stevia extracts or syrups because I don't like its bitterness. When I compared a drop of this homemade to a drop from a purchased bottle, it was obvious the homemade is way better with barely any bitterness at all. So now I feel like I can jump on the stevia bandwagon and try some creative ways of using it -- I'd love some tried-and-true recipes if anyone has some they'd be willing to share. 

Using cool paper from an old garden book motivates me to actually get labels written and on the bottle. This is nearly the most important part of making herbal preparations because what good are they if you don't know what they are. There are at least three of these small tincture bottles unlabeled on my shelf and probably more than a few unidentified oils in the cupboard. I am so guilty.

The wooden bowls are new -- I'm thinking they'll get a lot of use around here. There's just something about food in a wooden bowl . . . and I've never, ever had wooden bowls before. I'd like some wooden plates next. The packaging is quite something, too. I'm not sure what to do with it but I'm sure I'm saving it. 

Wishing all of us a beautiful week. xx

7 comments:

  1. Three projects you've inspired me to do: the purl bee puffy hexes; I've chosen a rock to crochet a cover for; and, I've determined to work on some full moon art this year. Thanks, Peggy!

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  2. oh yes...the packaging of those wooden bowls is wonderful. i'm sure you'll think of something creative to do with it.

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  3. You are not the only one with unlabeled bottles! Interesting to think about homemade stevia extract, that makes perfect sense. I've been thinking about clove extract...

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  4. This is great--homemade stevia...but the vodka, though a standard herbal preservative, just might detract for some folks. Still, not being one of those folks, I love the link.

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  5. I used to have wooden bowls years ago. I remembered using them for salad, but in Japan they uses for soba noodle. I will have a large one for fruit bowl. I love that string packing. You can use it for pot plant holder for cactus maybe -

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  6. I just love wood. I have a wooden spoon. I just love using it. Now I hate using metal cutlery, it seems so cold in my mouth!
    You are very inspiring you know.
    Much love to you.

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  7. I really love the idea of making my own stevia. I have bought some from the health store in the powdered form and it taste so bitter...Have you grown stevia?
    Love wooden bowls. I had some many moons ago...
    very lovely and earthy :)

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