In an attempt to lessen consumption/spending I’ve decided to make some holiday gifts this year.
One of the things I’m making is vanilla extract. This is super simple but does take time to brew. I shared a video on my Insta making it (below, also linked here in case the video doesn’t work.), but I’m going to give a step by step and supply list in this blog post!
Vanilla extract is fairly simple to make and if I’m not mistaken is cheaper in the long run to make than it is to buy.
You’ll need:
Vanilla Beans
Vodka (but you could also use things like brandy as well if you’re into that)
Swing Top Bottles
That’s it.
Making the vanilla extract is, again, simple as pie (which pie isn’t simple so I don’t know why that’s a saying). I do suggest sterilizing the containers in the dishwasher before making the vanilla extract.
Slice open each vanilla bean pod. If you want to break them in half after slicing, that’s fine too. You can just put the pods in without cutting, but it won’t be as good. I don’t recommend it.
I put five beans in each bottle then filled the bottle with vodka to the neck of the container.
Close up the container and put it in a dark place for ideally 6-12 months–however it can be used as early as you’d like. The flavour matures with time so the longer you let it sit the better it will taste. Remember to shake the bottle often as it brews.
When you use the vanilla extract, don’t forget to top it off again with more vodka or brandy whichever you used.
Enjoy!
[…] Don’t feel like learning a new skill? Then make something easy and dress it up. One year I made goodie bags for some people at work. One of the items was homemade vanilla extract. The sooner you get vanilla extract going the better. Ideally you’d wait 6-12 months, however if you made some this weekend you’d have almost 4 months of brewing and honestly that’s good enough! Head over to my blog post on making vanilla extract to learn how to (its easy I swear). […]