Homemade Vanilla Extract

Who doesn’t love a little vanilla in their homemade waffles or cookies?
Did you know Vanilla Extract is really easy to make, lasts longer, cost much less and is just as good as the expensive stuff you buy in the gourmet food stores?
Not kidding!
~You need three simple items~
Vodka (cheap stuff will do)
Vanilla beans
Air tight jar

Split the vanilla beans in half using a knife and add it to your air tight jar.
Pour vodka into the jar.
For every vanilla bean I’d add approximately two to three ounces of vodka.
Place the jar in a dark cupboard and shake it every once in a while.  Eventually the vanilla seeds will loosen from the pod. Shake the jar once a week or every few weeks. Your vanilla extract will be ready in eight weeks.

 

 When you start getting low, just top off the vanilla extract with vodka.
For my label I went to my favorite go to place,
and printed the label out on some photo paper.  
I modged podged it onto the jar.
 
Think of what a fabulous homemade gift this would make!
The last bottle I made lasted over six years!
Enjoy!
XOXO
Kristin

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32 thoughts on “Homemade Vanilla Extract

  1. Great tip! I was surprised about the vodka, didn't know vanilla extract was made with vodka. When I run out of my current stock, I'll certainly give it a try.

  2. This is cool!! :-) I have to do this vodka vanilla extract.. do you use it also in cakes?
    Thank you kristin!
    Kisses
    Etta

  3. I've had the ingredients for this for a while but just haven't made it yet. Can't wait to taste it though, so maybe soon I will get it done :)

  4. This is awesome, Kristin! I can't wait to try it! We love vanilla in pancakes, etc. The bottle you used makes quite a bit. Worth the 8 wks. Love the label from Graphic's Fairy!
    Thanks for the idea!
    XOXO,
    ~M

  5. I have NEVER heard of doing this but I am totally going to try it! And, the best part is that after you make the vanilla extract you can use the leftover vodka for a cocktail, right? :-)
    Vanessa

  6. [email protected] on said:

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your idea. Thanks for the inspiration!

  7. OMG now i can make vanilla vodka and coke! just kidding! but seriously i am going to make my own vanilla ex. thanks kris

  8. I gave this to all friends and family for Christmas this year and they loved! I should have kept a bottle for myself to make sure they were actually edible.

  9. What a wonderful tip! The imitation vanilla tastes so…….cheap. This will add a little luxury to my kitchen! I know my local co-op sells vanilla beans in bulk, so this is definitely on my to-do list for tomorrow! Thanks!

  10. What a wonderful gift idea, Kristin! Thanks for the recipe, tutorial, and graphic! I'm saving this one for sure! :)

    xoxo laurie

  11. Just popped over from Graphic Fairies and so glad I did this is great! I will definitely bet trying this! Thanks for sharing!

  12. Love this, I think I will give this a try. I also think it would make a nice gift..

    Christina

  13. Do you need to let it sit for another 8 weeks after you “top it off” with more Vodka? How many times can you do that before you need to start over or add more beans? And does this vanilla work for any and all recipes that call for vanilla?

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