Sunday, March 6, 2011

Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipe

I've been reading on blogs how to make homemade vanilla extract.  I always end up buying the imitation at the store because I just can't bring myself to pay for the real.  Today I finally made my own and want to share with you how easy and simple it was.

All you need is a bottle of vodka, dried vanilla beans and a glass mason jar (or some type of glass jar)

The vodka that I used was the cheap stuff, from what I've read, you don't need to use the expensive brands. 

The recipe is very simple 1 cup vodka + 3 beans + 2 months = Vanilla Extract


Before placing the beans into your glass jar, you need to split the beans lengthwise, leaving the ends intact.  I found it was easiest to split along the side rather than on top.

Place the jar in a cool dark spot for 2 months and your vanilla should be ready to be used.  You do not need to remove the beans when the 2 months are up.

I purchased my beans from www.vanillaproductsusa.com on EBay.   I bought a pound of beans - you don't need that many - I only used 24 beans making the 8 cups of extract.  After my reading, I chose to use Tahitian beans, just a matter of personal preference.

I received this bonus pack of 10 extract Grade B Tahitian Vanilla beans with my order.  I have not opened the package.  If you leave a comment on this post, I will send this packet to one reader next week.  I will draw a name on Sunday 3/14/11.  Please make sure that I can reach you through your blog, or leave you email address on your post.

Have a great week.  ~Ann

25 comments:

  1. Wow, I have thought about making my
    own, I just haven't gotten around to order
    any. I would love to be entered. I buy the
    real thing, for my fudge...

    Bear Hugs~Karen

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  2. Wow~I would not have even thought to make my own vanilla. Now that I know how, I will have to try it. I use vanilla all the time. I'm constantly baking something. I would love to be entered for a chance to win your extra vanilla beans. thanks for the chance.

    Enjoy your day~Becky

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  3. Wow Ann: I never knew that we could make our own extract...How fun. I'd love to be put in the pot for a chance to win. I love vanilla and use it all the time.
    Thanks so much!
    patti

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  4. Seriously? I NEVER, EVER would have guessed that's how you make vanilla extract! Interesting! Thanks for the education!

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  5. That's a lot of vanilla, do you plan on giving some away as gifts?? Please include me in your drawing, I would love to give it a try.

    Thanks,
    DeniseP228@sbcglobal.net

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  6. What a great idea. I would love to be entered in your drawing. Thanks for a great blog to read.
    Cindy

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  7. Ann, I just saw a show on the Cooking Channel yesterday that showed making your own vanilla extract. Thanks so much for posting the link to get the beans. She also did the vanilla sugar too. I plan on trying both.
    Linda

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  8. I have vanilla beans but have never tried making vanilla. Thank you for the info.
    angel2coo at aol dot com

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  9. Wow...never knew you could make your own vanila extract but what a great idea! I will definately be trying this. Would love to be entered in your bean giveaway. Thanks for the info!

    Cyndi
    Jagstitch@aol.com

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  10. Well, this is amazing, and the bonus is....if it doesn't turn out you can just stir and drink with a little orange juice. I am going to try this. Hmmm where did I hide that bottle. LOL
    Kat

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  11. Hi Ann, My father made vanilla extract for my mom and I to bake with years ago. Thanks for bring a plesant memory back. Would love to be entered for a chance to win the beans. I wouldn't mind making some vanilla for myself. Hope you have a great week....Maureen
    macbasketspa@aol.com

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  12. After reading your blog, I remembered one Christmas several years ago that my sister in law made homemade vanilla extract, and we each received one at Christmas, she also made homemade Kahlua. What great memories!! Sending you some sunhine and blue skies!! Please enter me into your drawing ( you know I love to bake)
    Thanks
    Wendy

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  13. Thanks Ann. Who would have thought you can make vanilla from vodka? I can't wait to try it! thanks for the chance to win some vanilla beans!
    Donnie

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  14. oh how wonderful!...thanks for this recipe...I would love to try it!

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  15. I never knew that you could do this, however I have heard of people putting the vanilla beans in sugar for vanilla sugar. I always have brought vanilla back from our mission trips to teh Dominican, it is really inexpensive there and even though I haven't gone in awhile, I ask someone to bring it back for me! Would love to win the beans!
    Cathy

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  16. I have seen where others had made homemade vanilla too and have wanted to try it. I bake a lot so it would be wonderful to be able to use the 'real' stuff. I would love a chance to win some vanilla beans!

    *hugs*
    Debbie K

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  17. Wow, how interesting Ann. Thanks for sharing that with us. ~Carol

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  18. WOW..what a great idea to make your own vanilla. I, like you, are hard pressed to buy the "real" thing because of the cost. This is something I will definately try. Please inter me in the give away...Thanks..Vonda

    vondaandbarney@nwcable.net

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  19. Thanks for the info. I would love to make my own. Please enter me into your drawing. My email is tinarusseau@sbcglobal.net

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  20. I am definitely trying this. I always bite the bullet & buy the real stuff so this will be a treat. I'd love to be entered in your give-away. Jan

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  21. I did not know you could make your own extract.. Thanks for the tip....

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  22. I have made my own vanilla for decades. I split several vanilla beans lengthwise, scrap the seeds, and place seeds and beans into a fifth of unflavored brandy(least expensive brand is fine). I leave this on the counter for a month; shaking the contents daily...then it's ready to use. It will keep indefinitely... I got this recipe from an elderly German woman who was a fabulous baker!
    Busy Hands...Happy Hearts
    Patricia

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  23. This is SO COOL!
    I didn't even know you could make your own extract!!!

    I will have to give this a try, I would love a chance to win the extra beans, so toss me in the pot!

    Thanks so much for sharing this!
    Hugs
    Kerri

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  24. Thats really neat...I never knew you could make your own Vanilla Extract ! I wonder how much better the homemade will taste in chocolate chip cookies...Mmmmmmm
    Grace to you,
    Margie at Hungry Hook Primitives
    hungryhookprims@aol.com

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  25. Is the for using in crafts or can it be used in food......... I think I will give this a go as I use a lot in my primitives......

    Thank you again.......

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Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm so happy to "meet" you through blog land. ~Ann