Homemade Vanilla Extract (And Gift Giving Ideas)

Regardless of culinary ability or interest, I don't think I know of anyone who doesn't have a small bottle of vanilla tucked away in their cupboard. Chances are, it's a bottle of the artificial kind.  This is fine, but if you're looking to improve the quality of ingredients you stock in your cupboards, then using pure vanilla extract truly is best.  And making your own? Well, that's top notch quality in my books.

How To:

The process couldn't be easier - combine vanilla beans and vodka in a glass jar, and allow to steep for about two months.  That's it.  As I learn more about making extracts, I've discovered that these can also be fashioned with rum, and even brandy.  

After six to eight weeks, the colour of your extract should resemble the above; a dark amber colour, not unlike that of some well steeped tea.  

About one month into the process, the vanilla will look more like the colour of scotch; light amber and slightly translucent.

Gift Giving Ideas

Do you have avid bakers on your gift-giving list this year? Adorn your jars with some ribbon and printed labels, and use one of the following ideas to include homemade vanilla in your parcels.

• Package homemade vanilla and a jar of lavender sugar ( 1 tablespoon lavender leaves mixed with a cup of sugar. Store in a glass jar for two weeks before gift giving.) with a set of new measuring spoons and voila...happiness in a package. 
• Package homemade vanilla and homemade cinnamon vanilla (recipe below) in a gift box with a few of your favourite recipes.  
• If you're hosting an annual holiday cookie exchange, make some bottles of vanilla extract for favours, and thank your guests for taking the time out of the busy December to come to your event.

Recipes:

Homemade Vanilla Extract

• 3 vanilla beans, sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup of vodka

Place vanilla beans in a glass jar (mason jars work well) and cover completely with vodka)

Give the bottle a good shake at least once a week and store in a dark, cool space for two months or longer.

Replenish the bottle by adding more vodka to the jar as you use up the vanilla.  Be sure to shake the jar frequently.

 Homemade Cinnamon-Vanilla Extract

• 3 vanilla beans, sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup vodka
• 2 organic cinnamon sticks, broken in half

Place vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks in a glass jar (mason jars work well) and cover completely with vodka)

Give the bottle a good shake at least once a week and store in a dark, cool space for two months or longer.

Replenish the bottle by adding more vodka to the jar as you use up the vanilla.  Be sure to shake the jar frequently.

 

Comments

[Mama__B]

Oh I adore homemade vanilla. I've always used brandy to make mine. The depth of flavour is wonderful. Though if I ever find (and have the money for) a bunch of Tahitian vanilla beans, I would try them with vodka, as I understand they have a more delicate, floral essence.

[Jan Scott]

The more I look into it, the more I like the idea of using brandy.  Im going to give it a go next time.