So mysterious. With all the reflecting and odd shapes floating within, if I didn’t tell you before you got here what it was you could be creeped out. But fear not! It’s just vanilla beans and vodka, and when have they ever steered you wrong? (That time didn’t count—you guys had just broken up and it was like the third night of that heat wave…)
This is all you need to make yourself some quality vanilla extract. How much have you paid and how many times have you almost grabbed the imitation stuff, ’cause who’s gonna notice in chocolate chip cookies? Once you make your own, you’ll never even think about buying one of those tiny bottles. You’ll laugh to yourself when you see someone buying it at the store, not that you judge people at the check-out line or anything.
So how do you do it?
Purchase 6 vanilla beans and slit them lengthwise, exposing the innards.
Stick them in a jar with 2 cups of vodka.
Hide the jar for a few months—in a cool, dry place, of course.
And…oh wait, that’s it. You just made vanilla extract.
If you pour yourself off a little bit, add some more vodka and hide again! Like a good tea bag, the vanilla beans will keep on givin’ you the good stuff for quite some time.
So easy! I feel ashamed for always buying it when I claim to love DIY projects. I think I’ll make some as Christmas gifts.
beautiful! ….and very mysterious looking. What a great present…
It’s so simple isn’t it? I really should try it.
and you never thought about sharing this info with your mother ?
Well, I just did, didn’t I?
I’ve been making my own extract like this for two years, and boyo does it kick the crap out of store bought stuff.
It’s this gorgeous, brown, almost textured liquid which turns even the simplest dish into vanilla heaven.
However, expect to be judged if you do as I did. 6 months pregnant and looking every inch of it I went into the budget supermarket and asked where their cheapest vodka was.
That’s awesome. I’m NOT at all pregnant and was still given the disapproving eye when I asked for grain alcohol (for homemade Kahlua).
This really is a great idea! Vanilla pods are SO expensive. I should perhaps blog this myself in future.
I can get them for $2 each at my co-op. That and the vodka comes to ’bout $25–way less than I’ve paid for the same amount of the store-bought stuff.
Now to figure out vanilla paste–that stuff’s $14 for a tiny jar!
How cool! Vanilla extract is SO expensive in Germany! Now I can make my own and don’t have to substitute vanilla pudding powder anymore
THANKS!
Awesome! I had no idea it was so easy!! Thanks.
How cool! Vanilla extract is SO expensive in Germany! Now I can make my own and don’t have to substitute vanilla pudding powder anymore THANKS!
+1
This is so great! I use enough vanilla extract that I really should be doing this.
I’ve heard of making my own vanilla extract, but I’ve ne er tried it. Thanks for the reminder! It seems so easy!
Bookmarking this! I keep forgetting to buy vanilla and I’m all out. This sounds like a great idea!
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