I like to make items on my own and I used this easy to make vanilla extract recipe to make my own vanilla extract. This not only saves money, but it is a good science experiment, too. My mom was the best baker. She really enjoyed making our favorite dishes whenever we would get together. I love to discover how to make many items instead of buying them. I see this as a way to be frugal and to help save the environment, since I am purchased less materials I would normally purchase to buy many things.
I have seen where a lot of recipes use vodka. Vodka is clear and doesn’t have any flavor; therefore, it is a great place to extract all the vanilla flavor into this liquid. I wanted to try something a little different and I used rum for a rich, bold vanilla flavor. Rum is normally made from sugar and it compliments vanilla really well for a rounder overall vanilla taste.
If you are not going to just throw the Vanilla beans in the alcohol, then I would suggest purchasing a bottle. I was able to get these great bottles at Ikea for around $4 a bottle. Be sure to sterilize the bottle well. I just ran them for a cycle in my dishwasher.
Easy Vanilla Extract Recipe
Ingredients for Vanilla Extract Recipe:
750ml – 1 liter vodka or (rum)
6-8 vanilla beans
How to make this Vanilla Extract Recipe:
1. Take the 6-8 Vanilla beans and cut them in half. Now scrap those little black seeds out of the middle. These are actually the Vanilla seeds and this is where all the wonderful vanilla flavor comes from.
2. Place all the little seeds and the whole beans in the bottle. Then carefully pour the rum over the beans. A funnel come in real handy here.
3. Shake the bottle to get all those vanilla seeds swirling around in there.
4. Wait. Wait. Wait. Every few days or once a week shake the bottle. Do this for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks it is ready to use, but it is best kept for 6 months. Keep the bottle in a dark, cool place. You could even paint this bottle if you like to make it a darker color.
5. After 6 months, the beans and seeds have given all they got. It is time to get them out of the bottle. Strain them with a strainer lined with a coffee filter to get all the little bits out of there. Then put it all back in the bottle.
It is pretty simple to make your own homemade vanilla extract. If you can find a smaller bottle, this vanilla extract recipe would make an excellent gift. If you start now, these will be ready in time for Christmas. Spices and flavorings add up. This is another great way to cut down on your grocery bill and still be able to make fabulous tasting dishes with this easy to make vanilla extract recipe. What would you make with Vanilla?
Here are a few recipes to try with this vanilla extract recipe:
Mom’s Best: Ultimate Cheese Pie *This pie comes with a warning. May start family fights over who gets the last piece!
Take a look at my Homemade recipes page area to find out how to make more on your own to save those pennies. My recipe area is loaded with tons of great recipes to make and share. Follow me to eat healthy on Facebook or follow my Homemade Recipes and Pantry Staples board on Pinterest to learn how to make your own pantry staples.
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Wow! That’s a very great idea! Making my first batch this week.
Please let me know how it turns out. Mine smells fabulous right now.
You can use the used beans by sticking them in sugar to make vanilla sugar.
Wow! So easy! Thank you for sharing!
I bought my vanilla beans awhile back. Now to get the vodka. Seems easy enough to make. Thanks for sharing at The Gathering Spot this week 🙂 Enjoy the weekend!
Bourbon would work really well too 🙂
Can you make vanilla extract using another liquid other than alcohol?
If you buy it at the store, it is made with alcohol. I am not aware of any other way to make it. You can just use the Vanilla Bean to flavor a dish if you prefer not to use alcohol.