Several months ago, I ran across a blog post at Heavenly Homemakers about making homemade vanilla. This sounded like fun, and a great gift idea too! So, I gave it a try. Here’s how to make your own homemade vanilla too:
1) Get vanilla beans (the cheapest BY FAR are online here) – I used 40 vanilla beans
2) Get vodka (I just got the cheapest there too! Took me a while to find the best sale in the liquor store, because I have never been there!) (I also found a post at GNOWFGLINS that used bourbon to make vanilla too – I think I’ll try that one next time) – I used 1.75L of vodka
3) Get a 1/2 gallon glass jar – I used a Ball 1/2 gallon jar
4) Cut the vanilla beans lengthwise but leave a 1″ space at the top. So they will look like wishbones. Stuff them in the jar
5) Pour the vodka in the jar and give it a big shake
6) Let the jar sit in a cool, dark place (mine is in the upper part of my pantry in the back), and shake around whenever the mood strikes you
7) Let sit for 6 months! (I’ll be a little shy of this for Christmas gifts, but I am planning on pouring my vanilla into small jars (I got the 8 oz ones), and then giving them as gifts with a little booklet of vanilla recipes (you can order that here at Heavenly Homemakers) and I’ll probably just stick a few of the vanilla beans inside the jar too so it can keep getting stronger – one of my homemade Christmas gifts!)
8) Use in your recipes and enjoy!
This is much cheaper than store-bought vanilla, and although this is my first time experimenting with vanilla, I have heard from others that the taste is MUCH better!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
This is part of Frugal Friday at LifeAsMom and Pennywise Platter at Nourishing Gourmet
How did your vanilla turn out? I’ve never made it before, and am curious if it was strong enough. Saw your link via orgjunkie.org!
Take care!
Diane recently posted..Recipe links
Diane, it was AWESOME!! I gave it as gifts for Christmas and everyone wants more. So, batch number 2 is going now. Thanks for visiting!
Dr. Laura
They can add their own vodka to their jar as they use the vanilla and keep it going perpetually. No need to start all over again. If they are lazy or don’t want to buy the vodka they can give you their empty bottle for you to refill. No need to waste the beans, they will be good for many refills.
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