How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

If you love to bake you know that one of the most commonly called for ingredients is vanilla extract. In general, you have two options when it comes to buying this essential product:
1. Pure vanilla extract- as the name implies, this is the real deal, made with no artificial flavors. Pure vanilla extract is a great option in terms of flavor but it can be very expensive.
2. Imitation vanilla extract- as an alternative to pure vanilla extract imitation vanilla is much more affordable. However, the imitation extract often lacks the depth of flavor found in the real thing.
A third option is available! Make your own high-quality vanilla extract at home! Your homemade extract will have the flavor of the pure vanilla while saving you a significant amount of money! Making your own vanilla extract at home is easy!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 liter vodka
• 2 vanilla beans

1. To make your own vanilla extract at home you will need 1 liter of vodka and 2 vanilla beans.
   Almost any brand of flavorless vodka will suffice. Since you are adding flavor to the vodka it is not worth paying extra for a premium brand.
   Vanilla beans can be found at some well-stocked grocery stores (usually in the baking aisle), at health food/natural stores, or online at websites such as www.penzeys.com. Select vanilla beans that are plump and moist looking. Avoid beans that are overly shriveled or dry as these indicate that the oils essential to flavor have been lost.

2. Using a sharp knife, cut across each vanilla bean to divide each into 4 pieces. Open the bottle of vodka and add the cut vanilla beans. Reseal bottle then shake gently. Place bottle in a cool, dark place (ie the back of a cabinet) for 3-4 months, removing occasionally to give the bottle a gentle shake.

3. Your vanilla extract will be ready to use once the vodka has turned a deep amber color and smells strongly of vanilla. The flavor and aroma will continue to deepen with time so leave vanilla beans in the bottle even as you begin to use the extract.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure a continual supply of vanilla extract either have two bottles going at all times or occasionally top off the amount of vodka in your bottle. Add additional vanilla beans when the old ones seem to lose their potency.

[trvlarrngr]

on 7/23/2009 Wow what a great tip! I will have to try this soon! 5 stars