Homemade Vanilla Extract

 I'm a baker and, like other foods, the better quality ingredients you put into baked goods, the better tasting product you get.  That's why I only use pure vanilla extract - no imitation vanilla in my kitchen!  Several years ago, I made a batch of vanilla extract with my Mom and sister and we gave little bottles away as favors at our annual Christmas Cookie Exchange.

As you can see, my bottles are almost empty and it seems the vanilla beans in the bottles are spent as they aren't coloring or flavoring the little bit of vodka I recently added.  What I'm really saying is, it's time to make more!



If you've never made your own vanilla extract, it's easy to do.  You only need four things - vanilla beans, vodka, a glass jar or bottle and time.

How to Make Vanilla Extract

• Split vanilla beans lengthwise down the center and scrape out the bean seed.
• Add the split beans and the bean seed to vodka in a glass jar or bottle making sure the beans are completely covered.
• Let steep for at least 8-10 weeks.  Depending on the size and strength of the beans it may need to steep longer.  The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor so longer is definitely better.
• Once a week give your bottle a good shake.
• A good rule of thumb is 1 vanilla bean for every 2 ounces of vodka

As you can see in the bottles above we split and cut 2-3 beans per 4 oz. bottle and left the whole bean in the bottle.  You can make a big batch by adding 10-15 beans to your 750mL bottle of vodka and divide it up when it's ready or you can do like we did for gifts and divide it up and add a few beans to each container and then let it steep.
 
You can keep the beans and bean seed in or you can strain them out with a coffee filter.  It's personal preference. 

We added a cute little label to our bottles and tied a red ribbon on top for gifts.  I can't believe that was 4 years ago already.

I'm making more extract for Christmas gifts this year (and for myself!) and I need to get it started right away.  I was just shopping for vanilla beans over the weekend at Olive Nation.  I didn't buy any yet and I'm so glad because I just got word they're offering a 15% discount on beans now through Wednesday, 8/27.  The discount code is VANB15.

They always offer free shipping on vanilla beans and, depending on how many beans you need, it may be more frugal to order by the 1/4 or 1/2 pound.  


Who wants to make vanilla extract with me this year?  I'll keep you updated as I get my going.

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