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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Posted in Gluten Free, Homemaking, and Photography

Vanilla Extract

Mmmm… Homemade vanilla extract

Back in January, I decided to make some of my own homemade vanilla extract.  Part of the whole process is allowing it to sit – for a long time – in a dark place.  It’s when of those fix it and forget about it type of things.   Well, finally, the time came when we could start using it.  It’s so much better than store bought vanilla extract.  I am so glad that I decided to go ahead and make it.

My problem was that I wanted some cute storage containers for the extract, and I didn’t want to pay a lot for them.  Before D’s surgery, we were at the grocery store picking up a few things when I stumbled across a clearance section.  I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the containers – cute and affordable.  Yes!

The above pictured container is one of the styles that I found.  Yes, they are clear.  While I know the best thing to use for extract is dark containers, I know it’s not really too much of an issue for me as I store my extracts in a dark cabinet.  At some point, I may find some cute dark (amber) containers, but for now, I’ll enjoy these containers.

Oops! I forgot to add the recipe…  There are several different versions on the internet, but this is what I did to make a nice strong vanilla extract.

Homemade Vanilla Extract recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1.75 liter bottle of vodka
  • 40 vanilla beans
Directions:
  1. Figure out what container you will use to store the vanilla extract in while the magic is taking place.  I just used the vodka bottle plus a smaller bottle.  You’ll need to remove some of the vodka from the bottle to allow room for the vanilla beans.
  2. Split the vanilla beans in half (use knife or scissors).  If desired, you can scrape out the insides of the vanilla bean and place both into the vodka.  I just put the split beans into bottle.
  3. Place the bottles in the back of a cabinet or pantry and wait.  I recommend waiting 6 months to get lots of vanilla flavor, but you can use it sooner.
Notes:
  • I used Madagascar vanilla beans that I ordered online – Olive Nation.
  • Don’t throw out the vanilla beans after you’re done making vanilla.  We’ll be making vanilla sugar out of them.  Yes, the “recipe” is coming.  **grin**

11 Comments

  1. That’s the cutest little container I’ve seen. My homemade vanilla is in a clear bottle that once held sparkling water (or something similar).
    Cristi recently posted..Proverbs in 31 Days — Proverbs 16My Profile

    November 16, 2011
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  2. Did you post the recipe for this and I missed it?? We’ve not purchased any vanilla in a long while- much much too expensive and I won’t buy the high fructose syrup knock-off. 😉
    Love the bottle.
    Blossom recently posted..Fall Is Almost Winter and I Choose FallMy Profile

    November 16, 2011
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  3. Oh! That looks super simple! I’m pretty sure I could do that. And I will be watching for the vanilla sugar recipe 😉
    Blossom recently posted..Layla Grayce Black Friday SaleMy Profile

    November 16, 2011
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    • It’s super easy. The hardest part is waiting. 😉 It’s definitely one of those things where you go – why did I wait this long to try this? lol!

      November 16, 2011
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  4. Thanks! I’ve had a vanilla bean sitting around which was supposed to be added to ice cream. Now I can make some vanilla extract instead.
    Briana recently posted..Family HarmonyMy Profile

    November 16, 2011
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