![]() ![]() Close the lid, and put away for at least 1 month in a cool, dark place, until the liquid becomes vanilla extract. Place the split vanilla beans in the jar and add enough vodka to cover. Any vanilla seeds that get stuck on the blade, transfer them to the jar. ![]() Using a sharp paring knife, split the beans lengthwise. Grab an airtight, wide-mouth glass jar, about a quart, and set it near your work space. Total: 5 mins, plus at least 1 month steeping time The extract must be made at least 1 month in advance. It is best to store the extract in wide-mouth jars, so that you can easily remove the beans for other uses.Įthically sourced vanilla beans can be found at Burlap & Barrel and Nielsen-Massey, among other online and bricks-and-mortar retailers. The extract can be stored in a cool, dark place indefinitely. ![]() ![]() We recommend a few sources below as well as in this story. Seek out quality, ethically harvested vanilla beans. It isn’t necessary to use top-shelf spirits, but a reputable brand is needed for the best results. Food writer Olga Massov likes to have an extract made with vodka, as well as one made with brandy or rum, and use either depending on what she’s cooking. All you need is a spirit of your choice - vodka is the most neutral and is generally preferred, but bourbon, rum or brandy are also excellent candidates - plump vanilla beans and time. It’s not only easy, but it’s also extremely cost-effective, and it makes the most delightful gift around the holiday season or any time of year. 200ml (about 7 oz) good quality vodka (I used Belvedere)Ĭarefully, slit the vanilla pods open with a sharp knife.ĭrop into the vodka, straight into the mini bottle (200 ml) of vodka, or into your own bottle(s).Ĭlose the bottle and leave in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 months before using.Once you make your own vanilla extract, you’ll wonder why you’ve ever spent money on store-bought.I made some in February, so it’s now ready to use and it smells heavenly! Homemade Vanilla Extract However, I bet there’s a lot of people who would really appreciate this thoughtful present.Īll you need are bottles, vanilla beans, vodka and 5 minutes–seriously! Okay, you have to wait a few months before it’s ready, but can you imagine how you’ll feel when December 15th rolls around you just need to throw a bow around the neck of a bottle? Or toss it in a cute little gift bag and you have a gorgeous homemade gift to give! How cool is that? But do it now, as the vanilla beans need 4 to 6 months to flavor the vodka. Now, I know this isn’t the perfect gift for everyone, like maybe your mechanic? He (call me sexist, but I bet your mechanic is a “he”) probably isn’t the best person to give a bottle of vanilla (unless he’s a passionate foodie). Maybe you will regret it if you don’t take a few minutes now, to save yourself a lot of stress then? What am I talking about? Well, I’m sure the title gave it away, but you can come across like a totally organized, thoughtful and creative friend/relative/boss/employee/colleague/client/student or whatever it is that you are, by handing someone a lovely homemade bottle of vanilla as a gift this holiday season. Here’s another idea to make for a holiday gift. Maybe this is the opportunity that you’d wished you’d acted upon when December 15th rolls around this year, and you realize there are lots of little gifts you need to hand out here and there, but you “got nuthin'”. Did you know there are only 147 days left until Christmas?Īs the antithesis of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster says, “Now Panic and Freak Out!” may be appropriate at this time, or maybe not. Homemade vanilla extract is a perfect holiday gift to give that is something almost anyone can use, but very much appreciated by home bakers. ![]()
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