With all the baking I do, I go through vanilla extract like water. At nearly six bucks a pop for just a couple of ounces, that's definitely not a cheap habit. Fortunately, making the good homemade stuff is easy peasy.
Vanilla beans can be pretty expensive in the store. I actually bought mine from a vendor on eBay for a great price and free shipping.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
A mason jar with a tight-fitting lid
Vodka (I used Smirnoff)
Vanilla beans, three beans per cup of alcohol
Use a sharp knife to cut lengthwise down the center of the vanilla beans, leaving about an inch at the top of the bean uncut. Put the vanilla beans in a mason jar and cover with alcohol. Put lid on the jar, shake, and store in a dark and dry place for two months.
BONUS! If you have some extra vanilla beans left over from your eBay order, throw a couple of them in a jar with some white granulated sugar. When a couple of days have passed, you will have vanilla scented sugar to enjoy with your morning coffee or tea.
1) I had no idea that you had a blog!
ReplyDelete2) How did this turn out? I've been debating trying to make some this week.
haha, you're probably the only one who knows. I kind of lost interest in it. :) The vanilla turned out awesome though and it's super easy! You should definitely make some. I have some extra vanilla beans if you need them, just let me know!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I actually just bought some from amazon...Earthfare vanilla beans=robbery at 2 for $12. I made some vanilla bean simple syrup today, and vanilla extract is definitely next!
ReplyDelete