Hello! Hope your day is going great! Today, I’m sharing a really fun recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract.
It’s super easy to make and it costs less than the junk from the grocery store.
In fact, the last time I picked up a bottle of vanilla extract at our local BJs, it was over $29.00 for a 16 ounce bottle!
And that’s when I decided I was going to try making my own…
So, I ordered a batch of vanilla beans from the Atlantic Spice Company, picked up a bottle of mid-shelf vodka at my local liquor store and got to work making my own.
And you know what?
It’s pathetically easy to make your own homemade vanilla extract.
Really, it’s just so stinking simple to make that if you love to bake, like me, you should never buy it again.
And the added bonus is that it tastes SO.MUCH.BETTER. than the store bought stuff.
I promise, you’ll never want to buy it again!
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the store and pick up some vanilla beans (or order them instead) and make your own today.
Here’s the recipe…
How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5 Vanilla beans
- Sharp knife
- 2 cups vodka (80 to 100 proof)
- 1 pint jar with lid
- Time…this kinda goodness doesn’t happen overnight
Slice the vanilla beans down the long side using a sharp knife.
Place all of the whole beans inside a pint jar and fill to the neck with vodka.
Cover with a lid and place on a cool, dark shelf for 3 or 4 months. If and when you think about it, give it a shake to help release the flavor.
After a few months, remove the lid and give it a try in any of your favorite recipes! Use it just like you would the stuff from the store.
Tip: DO NOT remove the vanilla beans from the vodka. Not only does it increase in flavor, but once you’ve used about half the jar, fill it back up with more vodka and let it sit for a few more months.
Perpetual vanilla!
Okay, maybe not entirely perpetual…
The beans will begin to lose flavor after awhile, but even a couple of pints of homemade vanilla extract is worth it and it will last quite a long time…practically forever!
Enjoy!
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Have a Spectacular Day!
Vanessa Hamlin is the owner and founder of Food Life Design and VLHamlinDesign. With her passion for frugal living and homesteading, Vanessa loves to write about easy recipes, making money, gardening, home remedies and everything else that a good life entails! When she’s not writing for Food Life Design or creating products for VLHamlinDesign, you’ll find Vanessa reading, drawing, gardening, cooking or spending time with her family.