Vanilla Extract
When I first became obsessed like everyone else with Pinterest, I found a lot of recipes for how to make your own vanilla extract. I first made this in the spring, got to open my new bottle in August and will NEVER buy vanilla again! You can tell the difference in baked goods! I ordered my bottles by Wheaton on Amazon and my vanilla beans through Spicy World also found on Amazon. (Ppsssttt…I love Amazon!!! You can find everything!!)
A previous blog I read (can’t find it at the moment, sorry not able to quote the person!!) said to do 1/3 cup of vodka for every 1 vanilla bean. Since the bottles I got are 4 oz. I did 2 beans for 1/2 cup vodka. Please let me know what you think of this recipe after you make it. I’m hooked!!
The picture below shows the difference of the vanilla extract first made (clear) and vanilla extract made a few months ago (brown).
Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
- 2 vanilla beans
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 4 oz. bottle
Directions:
1. Cut vanilla bean in half. Run your knife along the vanilla bean lengthwise to open up the vanilla bean.
The cut in the vanilla bean helps get the extract the flavor (not to mention your hands smell awesome while working with the vanilla beans!).
2. Put 4 pieces of vanilla beans in the bottle (2 vanilla beans but 4 pieces after cutting).
3. Pour 1/2 cup of vodka into the bottle.
4. Seal bottle so it is air tight.
5. Keep bottles in a cool place (away from sunlight). Give them a shake occasionally. In 2-3 months you will have delicious homemade vanilla extract!
