How To Tuesday: Very Vanilla.
It takes a few vanilla beans, a splash of vodka and a heap of patience to make your very own vanilla extract. Considering the price of vanilla extracts and beans I think it's well worth the wait. You get the most out of those pricy beans and definite bang for your buck.
Since starting my vanilla extract I read on the almighty internets that the only way to make a true vanilla extract is to obey the ratio of 6 or even 8 vanilla beans to 1 cup of alcohol. Anything less and you're just making vanilla flavoured vodka. Sigh. Where I buy my vanilla beans they come 2 to a vial for about $4.50 so 6 beans is going to put me back $13.50 and that's only going to be a hair more cost effective than buying it in the store once I go about the business of buying the vodka.
So I leave the choice up to you. If you'd prefer a more potent extract and have a cheaper source for beans then, by all means, stuff six of those suckers in the jar. If you're like me and can't justify the expense then just work with what you've got. You can always splash a little more extract in there for good measure because who doesn't like a little extra vanilla goodness?
All you'll need is...
3 - 6 vanilla beans
1 paring knife or pair of scissors
1 cup vodka
1 airtight jar (preferably dark glass)
Note: Vodka is the preferred alcohol to use when making vanilla extract because it has a neutral flavour and does not impart it's own flavour to the mix. Feel free to use rum, brandy or even gin if you'd rather infuse the extract with a little something extra.
Using your knife or scissors slice each vanilla bean in half lengthwise leaving one end intact to keep the halves connected. Place them in the jar and cover them with the vodka.
Store the jar in a cool dark place for at least 2 months. Make sure to give it a shake every few days to encourage extraction. It can last for years and get better with age just like a fine wine. Enjoy!
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May 30th, 2011 - 16:55
Hi Lindsey! I am going to have to make this! Thanks for the recipe, I didn’t realize how easy it was to make your own vanilla flavor! Hope you are having a wonderful week
!
May 30th, 2011 - 16:59
Hi Amy! Hope you have fun with it and have a great week too!
May 30th, 2011 - 17:08
Great idea! I use so much vanilla extract it’s crazy.
May 30th, 2011 - 17:54
I think it would be a pretty Christmas gift. Something fancy yet practical. I think I read somewhere that you can keep topping it up with more vodka to make it last a little longer. Did you read anything like that?
May 30th, 2011 - 19:05
Yes I did actually, but it seemed suspicious so I left it out of the post. I don’t know, to me it just sounds like you’d be watering down the vanilla flavour. It would make a good Christmas gift too!
May 30th, 2011 - 18:03
lindsay this is amazing! i am going to try this!! i use sooo much vanilla and i buy it at costco now. i always have vodka in the cabinet so i’ll just have to buy the beans. where do you by yours? i have only seen them at bulk barn.
May 30th, 2011 - 19:06
That’s where I buy them too. I wish I could find a less expensive place. If you find them at somewhere else let me know!
May 31st, 2011 - 05:34
if you know anyone who’s a student on wednesdays its students and seniors day there. thats when i shop!
May 30th, 2011 - 19:08
Ooh, what a lovely idea! They make such lovely gifts, too
May 30th, 2011 - 20:10
AWESOME IDEA! I love this recipe, very easy and packed with flavor! Thanks you for sharing!!!!
May 30th, 2011 - 21:40
I have always wanted to make my own vanilla extract, but never got around to it. Thanks for the tips, the recipe & the inspiration
May 31st, 2011 - 01:09
Love this post! Making my own vanilla extract has been on my to do list for some time now, thanks for the nudge in the right direction
Beautiful photos too.
May 31st, 2011 - 10:11
Thanks Katherine! Glad I could help!
May 31st, 2011 - 09:15
How cool is this! What a great idea, and how easy! Thanks for sharing!
May 31st, 2011 - 09:36
Very cool idea–and a great gift!
May 31st, 2011 - 11:23
Ah. I have been wanting to me this forever but no alcohol for us here in Kuwait
I hear glycerin can be used instead but I’m scared to try!
May 31st, 2011 - 11:33
I’ve actually never heard of using glycerine instead. Might be worth looking into.
May 31st, 2011 - 12:00
This is great! Thank you for sharing, Lindsey!
May 31st, 2011 - 12:06
I made this with white rum and it’s divine. Put it atop some vanilla icecream with fresh strawberries and you are in heaven. I am not sure if it’ll work with glycerine/glycerol. In small quantities it shouldn’t cause problems with the exception that it tends to bind with water and has a hydrating/dehydrating effect. The alcohol draws out the flavor from the bean and I don’t know if the glycerol would have the same effect.
May 31st, 2011 - 12:38
I’ve been making my own vanilla extract for a couple of years… it’s pretty cost-effective using beans from Costco, especially since a good-quality vanilla extract ain’t cheap.
(Actually, I just like the added depth it gives the extract, especially if I’m using it for vanilla ice cream or custard)
I like to use rye whiskey, though. I’m a rebel like that.
May 31st, 2011 - 13:15
I should really get some beans at Costco, but we don’t really go there for anything else. It’s such a pain with the lineups and the crowds, but the deals are pretty awesome.
May 31st, 2011 - 15:54
Ive always wanted to make my own vanilla. And thanks Isabelle for the tip about buying the beans from Costco.
June 2nd, 2011 - 13:50
This is definitely on the to-do list. I go through vanilla like crazy! I like the idea of getting the vanilla beans at Costco…though I have the opposite problem there…it’s too easy to impulse buy!
June 3rd, 2011 - 14:29
A homemade make-your-own-vanilla-extract kit was given to us one year by my husband’s aunt. It’s fantastic!
June 6th, 2011 - 00:28
I think you can order beans in bulk online, in the event that you want to make a large batch and give to friends. Cheaper that way, I’d think? Some places you can get a pound for $50.
June 6th, 2011 - 09:56
You’re right, it would be a lot cheaper to buy the beans in bulk. I’ll probably start doing that one of these days because I use more and more pure vanilla.
June 7th, 2011 - 15:36
Wow this is so interesting! Have you ever tried making flavoured liqueurs? I really want to try to make an Elderflower liqueur, and am wondering whether I similar method to this would work?
Keep the beautiful pictures coming!
June 7th, 2011 - 18:33
Yes I definitely think it;s just as easy to make your own flavoured alcohol. I’ve seen some really interesting tutorials out there online. It would make a wonderful gift!
June 7th, 2011 - 21:42
I love this idea. I’ve always wanted to try making my own vanilla extract! Have you had a chance to use yours yet or is it still aging/extracting?
Those jars look adorable too!
June 8th, 2011 - 05:00
this looks awesome! i cant wait to make some soon. thank you for sharing this.
June 8th, 2011 - 23:58
Ah, I have always known in the back of my mind that I could make my own extract, but yours looks so darn cute it will be on my mind all the time! This would be a great gift!
June 10th, 2011 - 19:18
Making my own vanilla extract was on my to do list for a while now, thanks for reminding me.
))
I go thought store bought one like crazy, hubby asks if i put in soup too
Thanks for sharing Lindsey,
have a great weekend
June 10th, 2011 - 19:30
You’re welcome Roxana!
June 23rd, 2011 - 21:22
What a great idea. I had no idea I could make my own. I am going to bookmark this so I do not forget. My sister sends me the watkins vanilla as she buys all their spices. I am so in love with it but I go through bottles and bottles of it. Thanks so much for posting this.
June 23rd, 2011 - 22:01
You’re very welcome, Kim!
July 5th, 2011 - 04:03
Hello, Congratulations!
I’m From Portugal. First time leave coment. I bought Vanilla Here (http://zoe.vanille.free.fr/index.html) last year for Christmas and i’m very happy with!
Try, if it works..
Kisses
September 15th, 2011 - 20:01
http://www.vanillafoodcompany.ca is the place to shop for vanilla beans
September 15th, 2011 - 21:29
Thanks Josee! That’s actually where I shop too.