Looking to give a gift that is made from the heart and home? MaMa Jean's has got you covered! Here are a couple of simple recipes that will please anyone!

Vanilla Bean Extract

INGREDIENTS:

• 5-7 vanilla beans. The more vanilla beans you use, the stronger the flavor.
• 1 cup alcohol at least 80 proof. Vodka will give the clearest extract without changing the flavor much. Bourbon or rum will create a darker extract, and add an exquisite depth.

HOW TO:

You'll need a glass container with a lid that can easily store 8 ounces of liquid. This is what you'll make the extract in, and let it "ripen".

1. Pour 1 cup of your chosen alcohol into your glass container.
2. Slice the vanilla beans vertically.
3. Scrap out the inside of the bean and put into the alcohol.
4. Place all of the used vanilla beans in the glass container as well, and then tighten the lid.
5. Shake well. The extract needs to be periodically shaken, perhaps once a day, for at least 4-6 weeks.
6. Pour into small glass containers, we find buying a small funnel is very helpful in this process! Add as large a piece of a vanilla bean as will fit. The longer the extract can ripen, the richer the flavor.

Elderberry Syrup

Elderberries are great for the immune system, especially when a family keeps recycling the same bug!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup dried elderberries
• 3 cups filtered water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, diced
• 1 cup raw honey

HOW TO:

1. In a large pot, bring water and all ingredients except the honey to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.
3. Allow liquid to cool, then drain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheese cloth.
4. Press all of the liquid out of the berries using the back of a spoon.
5. Add the raw honey, and mix well.
6. Store in air-tight glass container in the refridgerator for up to 2 months!