How to Make Homemade Vanilla
Most people know how to make homemade vanilla extract but if you don’t then you should try it at least once. The homemade vanilla is so much cheaper, so much better, and so much fun that you will be making it as gifts and everything else!
You really only need a few things to make vanilla extract.
- A dark (if possible) storage container for long term storage
- a pint mason jar with top
- 3 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
- 1 cup vodka or brandy
- 1 tablespoon dark rum
Mix the vanilla beans, the vodka, and the rum in the mason jar. Cover tightly. Place in a cool dark place. Shake weekly.
The darker the color the stronger the vanilla flavor. It takes about 8 weeks for the extract to be done.
When it is finished remove the vanilla beans and pour the extract into the dark storage bottles. Cap tightly.Use the vanilla pod to flavor a cup or so of sugar because there is still a lot of flavor left!
Now…you can become quite the vanilla gourmet. You see, there are three types of vanilla beans and each gives the extract a different flavor.
- Tahitian-winey, fruity with a distinctive vanilla flavor
- Bourbon-strong, rich vanilla flavor with a creamy undertone
- Mexican, a mellow, smooth and spicy vanilla
By making your own extract you will save money and it is fun. You can get organic, fair trade vanilla beans and feel good about your high quality vanilla!
Check out these sources for vanilla:
image:Amazon
Tags: frugal, gifts, homemade extract, make your own vanilla, save money, vanilla extractPOSTED IN: Basics
4 opinions for How to Make Homemade Vanilla
Amanda
Oct 25, 2008 at 9:28 am
I made vanilla extract last year and I’ve been loving it! A MUCH superior product, I must say. I did follow a different procedure, however–3 beans per pint or more of just plain vodka, aged a good 6-8 weeks; I leave the beans in and keep the stuff in a dark cupboard.
In fact, if I use a vanilla bean in a recipe, the unused portion goes into the vanilla. As it’s used, I top it off with more vodka. It’s never-ending supply!
Plus it’s good for an after-dinner nip if you want one.
Marye Audet
Oct 25, 2008 at 11:59 am
LOL AManda! I like the addition of the rum as a nice flavor enhancer.
Lynn
Oct 29, 2008 at 1:06 am
Marye,
How long does the finished product last? I Have some that I made several years ago and forgot about. It smells weak. Is it reviveable?
Marye Audet
Oct 29, 2008 at 10:46 am
Lynn, you might just put another vanilla bean in there for a week or two to freshen it up. It should be fine.
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