How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
by Jennifer Carlisle
Years ago while watching an episode of Barefoot Contessa, I learned how to make homemade vanilla extract. Ina Garten took a large bottle of vodka, poured it into a large jar, stuck in a few whole vanilla beans, and let it age for about 2 months. Well I wanted to do the same thing as a gift for Christmas, but in smaller bottles. I also recently bought some Bourbon Vanilla Extract from Trader Joes, and that's when I realized I could use more than just vodka for vanilla extract. So I went to the liquor store and stocked up on the mini bottles of liquor (like the ones they give you on a plane). They were between $1.50 and $4.00, depending on the kind you got. I spent no more than $2.00 though, and still got some good stuff. I then went to a local spice store that is a baker/cooks dream store, and I purchased whole vanilla beans, at $3.99 for one whole bean. Now these are on the pricier side, but you can also buy them in bulk on line for less, you will just have to wait and pay for shipping, but you are probably still going to save money that way. Liquors such as Rum, Vodka, Bourbon and Whiskey should work the best when making vanilla extract.
An assortment of vodka, rum, whiskey, and bourbon. Bourbon Vanilla Brownies, how good does that sound!?!
Whole Vanilla Beans
For each bottle of liquor I used 2/3 of a vanilla bean. You can also use a whole one if you wish. Simply cut each vanilla bean into thirds (that size fits well in the bottle), then place the 2/3 of vanilla bean into each bottle, place the cap back on, then set in a dark, cool place. In about 4 weeks you should have vanilla extract. The longer it sits though, the stronger and tastier it will become. You can use this great vanilla for baking, cooking and flavoring. The possibilities are endless!
These make a great gift for the holidays. I'm planning on giving them as gifts, some with jars of cookie mix, and some with a recipe attached (one that includes vanilla).
Whole Vanilla Beans and Assorted Bottles of Liquor.
A Whole Vanilla Bean
5 whole vanilla beans cut into thirds.
2/3 of vanilla bean placed inside a bottle of vodka. Seal with the cap and place in a cool dark place for a couple weeks.
Soon to be Vodka Vanilla Extract.
Soon to be Whiskey Vanilla Extract.
Soon to be Rum Vanilla Extract.
Soon to be Bourbon Vanilla Extract.
In two weeks I will post the pictures of what the extract looks like then. You will see the difference in color. It's going to be beautiful!!
Recipes and Foods that use vanilla:
Cookies, Brownies, Milkshakes, IceCream, Coffee, Bananas Fosters, Puddings, Beverages, Muffins, Pancakes, Cakes, Yogurt, Icing...The list goes on and on.
by Jennifer Carlisle
Years ago while watching an episode of Barefoot Contessa, I learned how to make homemade vanilla extract. Ina Garten took a large bottle of vodka, poured it into a large jar, stuck in a few whole vanilla beans, and let it age for about 2 months. Well I wanted to do the same thing as a gift for Christmas, but in smaller bottles. I also recently bought some Bourbon Vanilla Extract from Trader Joes, and that's when I realized I could use more than just vodka for vanilla extract. So I went to the liquor store and stocked up on the mini bottles of liquor (like the ones they give you on a plane). They were between $1.50 and $4.00, depending on the kind you got. I spent no more than $2.00 though, and still got some good stuff. I then went to a local spice store that is a baker/cooks dream store, and I purchased whole vanilla beans, at $3.99 for one whole bean. Now these are on the pricier side, but you can also buy them in bulk on line for less, you will just have to wait and pay for shipping, but you are probably still going to save money that way. Liquors such as Rum, Vodka, Bourbon and Whiskey should work the best when making vanilla extract.
For each bottle of liquor I used 2/3 of a vanilla bean. You can also use a whole one if you wish. Simply cut each vanilla bean into thirds (that size fits well in the bottle), then place the 2/3 of vanilla bean into each bottle, place the cap back on, then set in a dark, cool place. In about 4 weeks you should have vanilla extract. The longer it sits though, the stronger and tastier it will become. You can use this great vanilla for baking, cooking and flavoring. The possibilities are endless!
These make a great gift for the holidays. I'm planning on giving them as gifts, some with jars of cookie mix, and some with a recipe attached (one that includes vanilla).
In two weeks I will post the pictures of what the extract looks like then. You will see the difference in color. It's going to be beautiful!!
Recipes and Foods that use vanilla:
Cookies, Brownies, Milkshakes, IceCream, Coffee, Bananas Fosters, Puddings, Beverages, Muffins, Pancakes, Cakes, Yogurt, Icing...The list goes on and on.
Comments
Post a Comment