As you all know, I love to bake. It is a hobby that I have had for many years, and I don't foresee that changing anytime soon. One of my favourite ingredients to use in baking is vanilla. I always double the amount that a recipe calls for (and sometimes triple, depending on what I am making).
Pure vanilla extract can be expensive though, and a few years ago I found out that you can make your own using two ingredients. Vanilla beans and vodka.
It is super simple, and is an amazing gift to give that special baker in your life.
What you need:
- 1 oz of Vanilla Beans (approximately 5 beans)
- 1 Cup Vodka (or rum or bourbon)
- Glass/Plastic Jar (with tight fitting lid)
To Make:
- Split vanilla beans lengthwise
- Insert split beans into jar
- Pour in Vodka
- You want the beans completely covered by the vodka. If they aren't, then you can do a few things
- use a smaller jar
- cut the beans in half
- add more beans and vodka (try to keep the 5 beans/1 cup vodka ratio
- Shake. Give the jar a good shake 2-3 times a week
- Wait. It will take approximately 6 months before the extract is ready to use
If you make it now, it will be ready in time for Christmas. If you don't have 8 weeks until Christmas, it still makes a great gift just be sure to let the recipient know that the jar needs to be shaken and the date when it will be ready.
Do you have someone that would love to receive this for Christmas? I know my mom will! I made her a jar a few years ago, and will be gifting her another one this year!
Huh! I would have never imagined this was as simple as it was!
ReplyDeletecool! will try
ReplyDeleteVery neat! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, so is it then gin flavoured vanilla? If not where does the alcohol disappear to?
ReplyDeleteI make this and its just lovely,you can taste the difference when you use it in baking
ReplyDeletevery cool thanks for sharing , i would have never thought of that , a must try :) Treen Goodwin Rafflecopter name :)
ReplyDelete