What did I do right???

[omyeyes]

First attempt at DIY. Started out with only one flavor, as suggested. I used the "impatient 2 day steep" method. I swear it tastes just like Hershey's chocolate!!!! I used Lorann's flavorings. I've got some coconut, almond, caramel and amaretto sitting in the kitchen waiting for me. Gotta go!!!!!
Thx all for all the input. And to think I was nervous, Oy!

 

[firephly]

very encouraging!

 

[LoveVanilla]

Good luck and enjoy. Just use all due caution with the concentrate.

 

[spaceballsrules]

Just keep in mind....

 

[omyeyes]

spaceballsrules, believe me, I'm not being cocky. I'm just so happy that I could actually do it. I was nervous to even try. I know I'll make some yucky mistakes when I start mixing flavors!!!

BTW: I love your avatar!!

 

[Criticalmass]

This year, I am asking myself the same thing. lol.

 

[omyeyes]

Well, I've got an update. Made some juice last night with Lorann's Amaretto flavoring and it totally tastes like lemon. Lemon pie, lemon drops.......lemon pledge. I guess it will have to steep for a month or two. How can that happen when I only used 1 flavor??? Is this going to count as MY screw up??? What say you, spaceballsrules????

 

[happydave]

Well, I've got an update. Made some juice last night with Lorann's Amaretto flavoring and it totally tastes like lemon. Lemon pie, lemon drops.......lemon pledge. I guess it will have to steep for a month or two. How can that happen when I only used 1 flavor??? Is this going to count as MY screw up??? What say you, spaceballsrules????

when im experimenting with new flavors i make a 5 mL batch and steep it in hot water for about 3 hours shaking it every 20 or 30 minutes i have heard of people letting it sit in hot water for like 8 or 10 hours before but i never felt like it was worth the wait. i use my mini crock pot / fondue pot for this at about 120 degrees F.

this is not really a substitute for a week or 2 in a cool dark place, but a way for me to test out new flavors quickly.

also letting the bottle sit with the dropper top off and no cap for 12-48 hours will change or enhance some flavors.

 

[omyeyes]

Wow, great idea happydave!! Thx for the tip. I also heard the you can 'blend' it with one of those lil' mini blenders so that the liquid will meld but I don't have one. I like your idea better!!!!! No mess!

 

[firephly]

I haven't DIYed yet, but I discovered a really good way to steep juice that works for me. I have radiators and I put a 1/2 inch board on top of the radiator and then put my juice in a closed cardboard box on top of the wood, and leave it there for hours-then I shake them up good. It stays warm but not too warm, really developed some flavors that I had waited for forever (just sitting in my drawer for a long time, weeks, didn't seem to be working), but this did!
I guess in Nevada though you probably don't have the heat on like i do here in the cold northlands, at any rate keeping them warm for a while sure speeds up the process. Spaceballsrules advised me not to try and speed up the process and let the flavors develop and bloom on their own, but i'm just too impatient!

 

[firephly]

spaceballsrules, believe me, I'm not being cocky. I'm just so happy that I could actually do it. I was nervous to even try. I know I'll make some yucky mistakes when I start mixing flavors!!!

BTW: I love your avatar!!

I love that avatar too, cracks me up every time i see it

 

[dchest02]

Congrats on your first success! It is a great feeling to know that you crafted something with your own hands isn't it. When I started DIY-ing I was scared too.

I've been DIY-ing for about a year now, and I have had WAY more failures than successes, but as the old saying goes, you can't make an omelet without breaking a couple of eggs.

 

[omyeyes]

I guess in Nevada though you probably don't have the heat on like i do here in the cold northlands. Spaceballsrules advised me not to try and speed up the process and let the flavors develop and bloom on their own, but i'm just too impatient!

Oh, yes, I have the heat on, it's 48 out now at 10:40 pm. But we sure don't have radiators!
Yeah, I'm impatient too!!

 

[degnr8]

You didn't screw up.... Lorann's amaretto always tastes like pledge