Are you making your own Pure Vanilla Extract? You sure are missing out if you don’t!
Store Bought Pure Vanilla is very expensive. You can save money by starting your own batch at home with just two ingredients and a Glass Container. I like to use a quart jar.
You will need:
• Alcohol – Vodka or Bourbon (cheap is perfect)
• Vanilla Beans- 6 (I order Madagascar Grade A Beans from Amazon)
Cut the beans in half vertically and place in the Glass container. Fill with your choice of alcohol and add lid.
Steep the beans in the alcohol for 5 to 6 months. Plan on shaking the jar 2 to 3 times a week at first and then once a week after first month. I shake it when I remember, but keeping it in my food cubbard makes sure I see it often. Do not worry about steeping too long. If you do not need or are not ready to use when 5 months are up, just leave it steeping. Right now I am leaving mine steeping and just taking out small bottle at a time. There are all types of small bottles you can purchase cheaply if you want to give vanilla as gifts.
Notes:
I have made 4 batches now and have found that steeping 5 to 6 months guarantees a very good vanilla taste.
Many recipes will tell you its not necessary to split and scrape the beans so you don’t have to. To me, the vanilla seems to darken faster when the beans are split.
I like to strain enough vanilla thru cheese cloth for a few bottles to be gifted. I leave the rest with bits and pieces. I can always strain it later.
The left bottle below is Vodka Vanilla just started. The Middle Bottle is Vodka Vanilla at around 5 months, which was not quite ready so I left it steeping.
The vanilla made with bourbon will always be darker than the vanilla made with vodka. This jar below is a mixture of vodka and bourbon. I didn't have enough of either so I mixed them. It also has used beans and you can see on my note I added more beans in January. I also scrape my beans before putting them in the alcohol.
It is ok to steep your vanilla beans a second time, but you really should add 2 or 3 new beans. If not, it takes a Long time for the second batch so you would just need to check the taste periodically. If you order 10 vanilla beans at at time, you can just plan on using the ones you had left over on a second batch. This one was started in October 2017 and could be ready if we needed it, but we don't. I will just let it keep steeping.
Uses for Steeped vanilla beans:
Chop in smaller pieces and add to your coffee. Keep in a container that closes well so they don't dry out.
I have read that some people enjoy making infused sugars with the leftover vanilla beans but I have not tried that.
Hit me up with any questions.
My wife has done this and given as gifts at Christmas a couple times now!
Last year was my first time making and gifting Vanilla. I enjoyed it so much and my family loved them.
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Thank you very much!
We have found that the Costco vodka makes wonderful vanilla. Surprisingly it's very high quality for a pretty low price. $13.75 for a 1.75 liter as I remember. I'm really surprised that more people don't make their own vanilla, it's so easy.
We don't have Costco membersip and the closest one is hour and a half away. That is a great price though. I love making vanilla and I love giving it as gifts. Thank you for stopping by😃
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Wow, that's a perfect use for the half gallon of moonshine that is sitting in the cupboard. Thanks!
Love it!
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CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank you so much Dawne! I had no idea what to start out posting with so I picked things I am active with right now. I am thankful it was well received.
Great post Thanks
Thank you and thanks for stopping by!
I bet it aroma after being in the alcohol for six months is pure heavenly. I will remember this reciepe now thank you 😊
Smells heavenly for sure. Just between me and you, I am guilty of adding the vanilla to orange juice as cocktail. I like it a lot!
Sounds gorgeous ❤
I have been meaning to do this for YEARS! I'm so glad you posted this. I just ordered some beans so I can get to it.
I can't wait to hear how it goes and Thank you for reading my post!
thank you for this detailed post my dear, really useful
Thank you! Pure vanilla is so good!
pls do contact me on discord, if you are there
Will do!
I used to make vanilla this way! Ill have to get back into doing that. It is super easy!
So many people just don't know our secret though or most are too impatient. I love it though and I like watching the whole process. Thanks for stopping by.
Great post! just found your article from @goldendawne !Thank you for the information. I always love finding new ways to make things like this myself. I will order those beans today! Following you now!
Resteemed!
Thanks for checking me out and the feedback. I certainly appreciate the Resteem and follow. I need to reorder some beans myself :)
Awesome! I hope you get a good price. They went up recently. Enjoy!