I had no idea I could make my own vanilla extract! This Homemade Vanilla Extract would make a perfect gift for the holidays and it is so easy to make too. I did some online research and it seems that there is no reason to use fancy alcohol so a mid-range will do. I estimate 3 vanilla beans per cup of alcohol so if you have a larger jar, you may adjust accordingly. The vanilla beans smell so good and I read that you can make vanilla scented sugar. Just place a vanilla bean in a jar of sugar and that's it! How easy is that? Enjoy!
Homemade Vanilla
Extract
Ingredients
1 cup alcohol (vodka, rum or bourbon)
3 vanilla beans
Directions
Split vanilla beans using a small paring knife.
Place vanilla beans in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
Pour your alcohol of choice into the jar with vanilla
beans.
Push vanilla beans down so they are submerged.
Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place (i.e. back of
cupboard) for at least 1 month.
Shake jar once a week.
Notes: The
vanilla extract will keep for up to 1 year at room temperature. You can top jar off with enough alcohol
to keep vanilla beans submerged.
Replace vanilla beans as they start to lose their flavor (about every 3
to 6 months).
