What if I told you that you could make your own vanilla extract by combining just two ingredients and adding a little time and patience? It’s actually ridiculously easy and if you have looked at the cost of good vanilla extract lately, it is definitely worth considering. The time and patience – that’s the hardest part. This needs a minimum of six weeks from start to finish but when you’re done you have something you can use or even give as a gift. (Which we did for all the neighbors for Christmas one year!)
The time and patience will come later but to get this recipe started you’ll need a cup of vodka (and it can be cheap vodka!) and 2-3 vanilla beans, depending on length. Doing this in a glass jar is probably the easiest way. You can buy vanilla beans pretty much anywhere but if you are going to do this as a gift, and you need to have more than a few, Amazon has vanilla beans that are the best value. Cut the vanilla beans so that they fit in the bottom of your container, pour in the vodka and seal. Put this mixture in a dark place (like in a cupboard) and leave it there, taking it out to give it a shake about once a week.
The vanilla extract is ready when the vodka has transformed to a dark caramel color. You’ll need a bottle to put it in, a strainer and a funnel.
Strain the vanilla beans out and throw them away. Doing this in a measuring cup makes it very easy to transfer it to the bottle.
And about the bottle…. I looked everywhere for a bottle that would suit my purpose. I only needed one bottle and I ended up repurposing one of those little wine bottles I use for cooking. It is just the right size and it was just sitting there in the recycle bin. The label peeled right off and I used a post it note on as my label. (Not fancy but it works!) It would be really easy to pretty it up with a nice label if you wanted to. Amazon sells cute little glass bottles, too… perfect for gifts!
Using a funnel, transfer the vanilla extract into the bottle that you are going to use. Seal the bottle and store it in a dark cupboard until you need it. That’s all there is to it. Wasn’t that easy? Enjoy!
There’s no printable recipe for this one. 1 cup vodka, 2-3 vanilla beans, a jar, time and patience. It’s worth it. Trust me! 🙂
Beth says
I had no idea this was so easy! Thanks for sharing and I look forward to trying it as soon as I can order my vanilla beans.
Christy says
I made some and gave to each of my grown daughters and a few friends as Christmas gifts this year!
The Bandit says
We did as well. So easy and so well received. 🙂