Homemade Vanilla Extract
April 21, 2011 Thursday already huh? Awesome. This week has been a busy one, but we're almost done. Hang in there folks...
Did you know that it is SO easy to make your own vanilla extract? I mean, it's crazy. TWO ingredients. Vanilla beans and liquor. Two pretty awesome ingredients, I might add.
After a lot of research, I discovered that vanilla extract is typically made with vodka and vanilla beans. I thought that sounded odd, so I made mine with rum. They are practically meant for each other!
I got my vanilla beans at Homegoods. Seriously. In the specialty packaged foods section. Normally, Whole Foods will charge about $8 per venilla bean. I got five for that price. Jackpot!
First, I sterilized bottles. I got $1 little bottles with a corkscrew from Michaels, but any small container would work. Just place them in boiling water for a couple of minutes, then drain.
Next, I placed the rum in a ziploc bag for easy pouring. A funnel would be great here, but I was fresh out, so I impovised and cut a snip off of one corner.
Stuff one bean (slit lengthwise to expose the insides) into each bottle, and fill each to the top with rum. 
These guys need to sit for about 8 weeks until they are ready. I made a large batch to give away to friends and family.
Each time you use some of the extract, just top it off with some vodka. It'll regain it's potency before you know it!
HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
1 cup vodka (or rum)
2 vanilla beans
Cut the vanilla beans lengthwise down one side, exposing granules. Place in small containers. Fill each with 1/2 cup vodka. Let sit for 8 weeks, then shake and use in all of your favorite baking recipes.
Homemade Stuff, Vanilla, Vodka in Beth Creations, Dessert, Tips
Reader Comments (2)
I thought that sounded odd, so I ma-Christian Louboutin Flat Shoes lessde mine with rum. They are practically meant for each other!
I got my vanilla beans at Homego
Did you know that it is SO easy to make your own van-Breguet Type XX watches Swissilla extract? I mean, it's crazy. TWO ingredients. Vanilla beans and liquor. Two pretty awesome ingredients, I might add.