Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla extract is as easy as it gets - you only need two ingredients; vanilla beans and vodka. The beans will infuse their flavor into the vodka for a few, to several months. This is so much cheaper, and better than store-bought vanilla.
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Servings: 48 servings (1 tsp per serving)
Calories: 12kcal
Equipment
- 1 8 oz glass bottle (with a airtight lid)
- funnel
Ingredients
- 8 oz Vodka
- 6-8 Vanilla beans
Instructions
- Clean out your bottles and lids, and dry them completely.
- Split your vanilla beans in half down the middle so that the beans are exposed. You don't need to cut them through, just cut through one side to expose the seeds.
- Trim the beans as need to ensure they will fit inside the bottles.
- Place the vanilla beans in the bottle.
- Using a funnel, or carefully pour the vodka into the bottle over the top of the beans until they are fully submerged. Leave a little space at the top of the bottle so you have room to shake the bottle over time.
- Seal the bottle with a lid, and add a label if using.
- Store the vanilla in a cool place, away from sun exposure. Shake the bottle about once every week.
- Use vanilla after 3 months, 6 months to 1 year is even better! (Repeat with additional beans, vodka, and bottles as desired.)
Notes
- FDA approval - according to the FDA we need 0.83oz of vanilla beans for every 8oz of vodka, this is a hard number to measure based on different sized beans. Because we are not selling our vanilla extract, we don't have to have the correct amount, but if you want to weigh your beans you are welcome to. This can range from 4 to 14 beans (or more) depending on the size of your beans. The longer you let your vanilla soak the better it will taste, regardless of having the exact number of beans.
- Refill - As you use your vanilla you can refill it with more vodka. Give the bottle a shake after you refill it and shake it again before each use. When the vanilla beans are exposed above the alcohol level they will start to become a bit slimy. This means you may want to remove the vanilla beans from the bottle if you are giving it as a gift, so the receiver doesn't have to continue to refill the bottle, and the vanilla beans can be used again.
- Reuse the beans - If the vanilla has been seeping for 6 months, remove the beans and you can use them for one more batch, starting with 8 oz more Vodka, and letting it sit for an additional 6 months or longer, shaking occasionally.
- In Recipes - Use the same amount of homemade vanilla extract as you would use from your store bought vanilla extract in all your recipes.
Nutrition
Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 0.05mg | Potassium: 0.05mg