How to make creme bouquet flavoring

Creme bouquet flavoring is a popular and versatile flavoring used in baking and pastry making. It typically has a combination of citrus and vanilla notes, making it suitable for a wide range of desserts. Here’s a basic recipe to make your own creme bouquet flavoring:

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon
• 1 orange
• 1 vanilla bean or 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon of almond extract
• 12 teaspoon of butter flavoring (optional)
• 12 teaspoon of orange blossom water (optional)
• 12 cup of vodka or other neutral high-proof alcohol

Instructions:

1. Zest the Citrus Fruits:
   • Wash the lemon and orange thoroughly.
   • Use a fine grater or zester to remove the zest from both the lemon and the orange. Be careful not to include any of the bitter white pith.
2. Combine Zest and Alcohol:
   • Place the lemon and orange zest in a clean, airtight glass container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Pour the vodka or high-proof alcohol over the zest, ensuring it’s fully submerged. This alcohol will extract the citrus flavors.
3. Add Vanilla:
   • If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it lengthwise to expose the seeds and add it to the alcohol-zest mixture.
   • If you’re using pure vanilla extract, add it to the mixture.
4. Add Almond Extract:
   • Pour the almond extract into the mixture.
5. Optional Flavorings:
   • If you’d like, you can add additional flavorings like butter flavoring or orange blossom water. These are optional but can enhance the complexity of the flavor.
6. Seal and Steep:
   • Seal the container tightly with its lid.
   • Allow the mixture to steep in a cool, dark place for about 1 to 2 weeks. This allows the alcohol to extract the flavors from the zest and vanilla.
7. Strain and Store:
   • After the steeping period, strain the creme bouquet flavoring through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean, airtight glass container or bottle.
   • Discard the citrus zest and any solids.
8. Label and Store:
   • Label the container with the contents and the date of preparation.
   • Store the creme bouquet flavoring in a cool, dark place. It will keep for several months.

Usage:

• Creme bouquet flavoring can be used in a wide range of baked goods and desserts, including cakes, cookies, frostings, and more. Add it to your recipes to impart a delightful citrus-vanilla flavor.

Adjust the quantities of the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Homemade creme bouquet can add a unique and delicious twist to your baked creations.