Vanilla extract
 

For the last week or so I've been making a pretty good oatmeal that has a lot of stuff in it. Vanilla extract is one of the last ingredients, and it didn't even occur to me that it's got such a high alcohol content until after a few days of having it.

I probably used around 1/4 a tsp, or even less, and it's a pretty big bowl, but it's still bothered me with the whole PAWS thing, and how even the SMALLEST amount will bring you back to square one. Am I overreacting? It kind of seems like I'd need a beer or an actual serving of alcohol if it were to really have an impact, but I really don't know.

I really wouldn't worry about it. One quarter teaspoon isn't much at all, but if you are concerned, you can always use imitation vanilla flavoring. No alcohol in that.

Admiral, I think you'll get a lot of opinions of this subject ...for me, unless I'm drinking the bottle of vanilla extract, it's not an issue.

If you're concerned, why not replace the vanilla extract with something else?

There are lot of topics on similar questions such as this. I take the individual serving at communion and some people freak over that too.

Doubtful this is a problem in a food in a minimal amount.

Twice in my recovery I've had deserts prepared at restaurants that contained some kind of alcohol. Both of these food items were consumed by accident, so I didn't beat myself up.

That said, when making my own food, I know I have total control. So I opt to stay away from anything related to alcohol: beer brats, bourbon chicken, etc, etc etc. I just choose not to cook that kind of thing in my house. I also do not keep vanilla extract around. It's just my personal choice to keep alcohol out of my life in all ways possible.

I have no problems with anyone's personal choices though, including the folks above. Do what works for you!

It's a personal thing, really. If it isn't affecting you (other than your conscience), I really wouldn't worry over an amount that tiny. I couldn't have it because I'm on Antabuse, but not because I'm afraid it would convince me to rush out to the liquor store.

Simple answer.
Yes,you are overreacting. :)

don't worry about it :)

Admiral, you get to make your own rules for this - if that small amount of alcohol doesn't bother you, simply pay no attention to the people who tell you that it should. If you have always eaten your oatmeal with vanilla flavoring, it may have nothing to do with your sobriety.

There is a trace amount of alcohol in your oatmeal, true, but there are also trace amounts in many common foods, and trying to eliminate all of them can lead to some pretty bizarre behavior like eliminating all fresh fruit, bread, or soft drinks because of their alcohol content. I think that would be a silly thing for me to do, maybe for you to do too.

If, on the other hand, the idea of adding vanilla to your oatmeal squicks you out because of your aversion to its alcohol content, no matter how small, then by all means don't add it, or add something else. Totally your call here.

Being responsible in recovery comes to
mind. Being responsible and honest in
and for my own recovery.

Did I drink or taste alcohol with the intent
to get a buzz or feeling that comes with
tasting or drinking a controlled substance.

Did I do it willingly.... knowly go thru the
act of drinking or tasting for some effect
from it.

There's always gonna be some kind of
consequence that we will feel or deal with
from the actions we take because we have
to live with them.

If my gut is bothering me a whole bunch
then I need to go back and evaluate the
situation and if it needs to be corrected
to start over honestly, then i'll do it.

It's better to live with a clearer conscience
than one that is dishonest to catch up
with me later in recovery.

In my honest opinion only. :)

I would only worry about it if you start oatmeal binging. LOL!

no it wasn't enough to trigger your drinking again, mainly because you didnt know you were consuming alcohol, its a psychological thing. Please dont think it means its ok for you to drink very small amounts of alcohol knowingly.

stay clear in future. good luck.

If you didn't know there was alcohol in vanilla extract, you wouldn't know it.

Vanilla Fix
 

:eat Just don't drink the bottle...it is only flavoring. Buy vanilla beans. McCormick has them at any supermarket and flavor your sugar or sweetener. All you do is place the vanilla stick in your sugar container and leave it there. Problem solved!

could you maybe make your own? or use vanilla pods

I understand your concern and I don't think a quarter tsp. is going to sabotage your sobriety or sober time. Some people find that the alcohol in vanilla extract is a trigger and even drink it (just like they drink listerine for the alcohol - either of which makes me cringe to think of). If you view vanilla extract as merely a flavoring agent go ahead and use it. Or follow the suggestions on here - put vanilla bean pods in a container of sugar and use the flavored sugar.

Try this instead. Get "rolled oats" not the processed instant or any of that other stuff. Get yourself some natural honey - again, not the processed stuff, but if you have too...
Cook your oats, stir in some honey, add a few raisins or cranberries, or even apple (green) slices.

Once you try this, you'll be hooked.

http://lagrima.com/blogs/news/101797...anilla-extract

When it comes to baking with vanilla extract....

I like that article, OnTheRightPath. It correctly figgers that you would need to eat 1100 cookies 'cooked with alcohol', or having vanilla extract flavoring, to equal a single glass of wine. That is a ton of cookies. Well, maybe not a ton, but a lot. I think there are much greater risks to sobriety, and that we waste energy fretting about these ideas.
LBrain, I like raisins and brown sugar or maple syrple with my oatmeal.

I like custard slices, tarts etc with vanilla essence in them and it's never been the slightest worry for me.

I understand your caution tho Admiral and I commend you for it :)


There is imitation vanilla essence available if you feel concerned but don't want to lose the taste :)

D