Make Your Own Vanilla

Yesterday in my blog I talked about wanting to make Vanilla Extract.  I didn't have the proper ingredients at the time, but today I found some vanilla beans for the recipe.  My daughter makes this vanilla extract so I know it works great.  Just make sure your vanilla beans are pliable and not all dried out.  They also need to be split so all the flavor inside the bean can come out.

All the ingredients necessary to make Vanilla Extract.

Vanilla Extract

2-3 Vanilla Beans
1 cup Vodka
Glass jar with tight fitting cover

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise down one side.  Leave it connected on the end.

Put the beans into a glass jar and cover completely with the vodka.  Make sure the beans are covered.

Store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 months.  Shake it once in a while when you think of it.

After you start using the vanilla and need more, you can top it off with more vodka.  Shake it when you add the new vodka.  It can last for many years.  There are cute colored bottles available to buy to store the vanilla in.  It shouldn't be stored in a clear bottle unless it is kept in a dark cabinet.

My daughter is also trying to make vanilla sugar for the first time.  She buys vanilla sugar at Penzey spices, but it costs about $8.00 for a small amount.  Apparently you can put a split vanilla bean in a container of granulated sugar to make your own.  The vanilla bean will infuse the sugar with vanilla flavoring.  She will check it soon to see how intense the flavor is.  I will update this blog when I find out how well it works.

*The following link makes vanilla with Brandy.  It may be worth trying.

http://www.thedarlingbakers.com/homemade-vanilla-extract-with-brandy/