HOMEMADE COCONUT EXTRACT

I'm not a big fan of commercially made coconut extract, so I was excited to find this recipe from Alton Brown.  The coconut flavor of this extract is not strong and overpowering like some extracts can be.  Instead,  the flavor is subtle and mild, and that's okay with me.  I keep it in the fridge.

Homemade Coconut Extract Source:  Alton Brown, Food Network Rating:  8.5 out of 10 Click for PRINTABLE PAGE

1-1/2 ounces freshly grated coconut, approximately 1/3 cup 4 ounces vodka Place 1 1/2 ounces of the grated coconut into a 1-cup glass jar with lid and pour the vodka over it. Seal and shake to combine. Place in a cool dark place for 5 to 7 days, shaking to combine every day. Strain the coconut and discard. Return the vodka to a clean jar or to its original bottle and store in a cool place for up to a year. Reserve the remaining coconut for another use. To open a coconut: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Place the coconut onto a folded towel set down in a large bowl.  Find the 3 eyes on 1 end of the coconut and using a nail or screwdriver and hammer or meat mallet, hammer holes into 2 of the eyes. Turn the coconut upside down over a container and drain the water from the coconut. Store the water in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the coconut onto a 1/2 sheet pan and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven. The coconut should have cracked in several places. Using an oyster knife or other dull blade, separate the hard shell from the brown husk. Using a serrated vegetable peeler, peel the brown husk from the coconut meat. Rinse the coconut meat under cool water and pat dry. Break the meat into 2 to 3-inch pieces. With the grater disk attached to a food processor, grate the coconut.