How to Make Vanilla Extract

When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, I was also suffering from a corn allergy. Because of that allergy, I learned that vanilla extract has corn syrup in it (at least the ones I found in the store). That information led me to learn how to make my own vanilla extract. I found that it was easy, economical, and tasted great in recipes. I never went back to store bought vanilla.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• four vanilla beans
• sharp knife
• cutting board
• 1 pint vodka, brandy or rum

1. 
    

   Using a sharp knife, cut a slit in each vanilla bean lengthwise. Don't cut it in half, only along one long edge. Press it open a little with the knife. You will want the alcohol to get inside.

2. Put all four beans into the pint of alcohol. Shake the bottle well and set it on the counter.

3. Shake the bottle several times a day for the next week. Leave the bottle on the counter where you will see it and remember to shake it.

4. The next week, shake it once a day. Over the next couple of weeks gradually decrease how often you shake it.

5. 
    

   Place the bottle in a cabinet and let it sit for another two months. You can shake it occasionally. You will have noticed the alcohol turning darker some time ago. It will continue to darken and grow stronger. After three or more months it is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Because it needs to sit for at least three months, I start a new bottle every time I begin using one. That way a new one is sitting while I'm using up a bottle that is ready. If it sits for 6 months, that's fine.

Resources

• Buy vanilla beans on Amazon
• The Gluten-Free Homemaker - make vanilla extract

[westernmom]

on 4/4/2009 Wow. I never had a clue how it is made. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[tikrit01]

on 11/16/2008 This is a great way to invest time into something good! 5 stars!

[enorman]

on 11/16/2008 Would it be better to use ever clear, pure grain alcohol rather than the rum, brandy or vodka??? Is pure grain alcohol available at real drug stores???

[Thims]

on 11/15/2008 Great! Alcohol and vanilla bean do mix! Thanks heaven's you didn't mention vinegar. It seems half the world's recipes have this ingredient. Good recipe.