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, costs much less, and is just as good as the expensive stuff you buy in the gourmet food stores?
~You need three simple items~
Vodka (cheap stuff will do)
Vanilla beans
Airtight jar
Split the vanilla beans in half using a knife and add them 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.
As you begin to use your vanilla, you can top it off with a little vodka each time. Give it a shake after you refill and give it a shake before each use.
It does not need to sit for another 8 weeks.
The vanilla will last several years, if it still smells good, it’s still good to use! When the vanilla does not smell and taste as intense, simply remove the old beans, add fresh beans, shake, and continue to use. When you replace the beans, it will need to sit for 8 weeks again.
Think of what a fabulous homemade gift this would make, it truly is the gift that keeps on giving!
Enjoy!
This looks yummy Kristin! And you are right, it would make a nice gift for any occasion. Thanks!
What a great idea! I love the label. I think thats my favorite part! Thanks for sharing!
http://jennaleelac.blogspot.com/
I've always wanted to try doing this. Thanks for inspiring me sweetie!!
So cool will have to give this a try.
What a great idea. I didn't know vanilla extract had vodka in it.
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.
This is cool!! 🙂 I have to do this vodka vanilla extract.. do you use it also in cakes?
Thank you kristin!
Kisses
Etta
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 🙂
Love it! I'm going to put one together for myself! Thanks for posting. XOXO
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
WOW, I ♥ this idea Ÿ Thanks so much for sharing the recipe Ü
what a great idea! I honestly had no idea it was made with vodka! 🙂
Thanks for the recipe and the tip on the label. Now to find a cool bottle…..
This is a lovely gift and I love your label that you put on it. It makes a pretty presentation.
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
i'm going to try this. what a great idea!! have a nice night! susan
Thanks Kritin, This is such a great tip.I'm going to make this and give some for gifts.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
OMG now i can make vanilla vodka and coke! just kidding! but seriously i am going to make my own vanilla ex. thanks kris
I had no idea that it had vodka in it! This is great, thank you!
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.
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!
Love this idea…looks wonderful!!
So cute with the label on it! Thank you for sharing this.
Hey sweetie! You won the slip! Yay! email me @ [email protected]!!! Love the vanilla idea! 🙂 I have another giveaway! 😉 Hugs!
What a wonderful gift idea, Kristin! Thanks for the recipe, tutorial, and graphic! I'm saving this one for sure! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Love this! Will be making a bunch for presents I think!
This is great! With as much baking as I do this is perfect. Thanks for the recipe
Just popped over from Graphic Fairies and so glad I did this is great! I will definitely bet trying this! Thanks for sharing!
huh?! who knew it was so simple! and pretty!
Love this, I think I will give this a try. I also think it would make a nice gift..
Christina
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?
It’s impressive that you are getting thoughts from this paragraph as well as from our argument made at this place.
Just remember that you have to use a Gluten Free vodka if you are going to label the vanilla extract as Gluten Free. There are Gluten Free vodkas out there, so no problem.
Thank you Jayme for this tip!!!
Where did you get the bottle. Been thinking about doing this for years and i think I’m going to do it!
It has been a little while but I believe I purchased that at world market
Um, can you please respond to some of these comments/questions? Everyone is asking questions that I have, but you only responded to three, kinda useless comments. lol It would really be nice to get some answers. I’ve never seen a blogger abandon a post like this. lol
Seth, my apologies, many times I answer comments via e-mail to make it more personal. It looks like I missed one question on this thread and for that, I am so sorry. Since you did not leave a direct question I will answer the one question that I did not answer directly in the comment section.
As you begin to use your vanilla, you can top it off with a little vodka each time. Give it a shake after you refill and give it a shake before each use.
It does not need to sit for another 8 weeks.
The only time you need to let it sit for another 8 weeks is When you replace the beans, usually after 2 years.