Vanilla extract is a pantry staple for most home cooks. Did you know that you can make homemade vanilla extract using only two ingredients? After just a few months you can use your very own vanilla in all your favorite recipes like chocolate chip cookies, cake, or homemade chocolate truffles.
Like most home cooks I use a lot of vanilla extract. I haven’t checked the price on vanilla in a while because I’ve been making my own but I do remember that it was pretty expensive. So a few years ago I decided to try making my own vanilla extract and it worked! I scoured the internet looking at recipes and found a lot of different ways to make homemade vanilla. The recipe seems to be pretty loose so I just kind of went for it.
All you need to make your own vanilla extract are some vanilla beans and vodka. The ratio of alcohol to vanilla beans is totally up to you. The more beans that you use, the stronger extract you will get. I started this jar with just two beans, but a year later, I added about 6-8 more beans and my extract got a lot darker and stronger, which I love.
I started out using a high end vodka, but any cheap brand will suffice. Just stick the beans in the vodka and let it sit. It’ll take a good 6 months to get nice and dark, but even after a few months you’ll have a decent extract to use. You can see the difference in the extract in the photo – the one on the left is taken a year earlier after I’d just added more vodka to the bottle. I just keep adding vodka to the beans when I get low and so far, they’ve lasted for 2-3 years.
Just a note not to buy your vanilla beans at the grocery store. You need to buy them in bulk. I bought mine on Ebay years ago but Amazon sells vanilla beans in bulk and even on Subscribe and Save. 
This week’s Iron Chef Mom is all about VANILLA! So head over to our host, Mom on Timeout, and link up your favorite recipes that use vanilla. Remember, vanilla does not have to be the main ingredient – it just has to be in the recipe!
Homemade #vanilla extract is easy to make with just 2 ingredients – and some time! –> bit.ly/WSbyQT #recipe
— Growing Up Gabel (@TheGabels) January 22, 2013
This post is linked to Homestories A to Z , Savvy Southern Style and these other great parties!
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You have motivated me to try this! Thanks for sharing at Foodtastic Friday!
Becky recently posted..Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
Twitter: thegabels
says:
You’ll love it!
Twitter: Quinnmama79
says:
Did you use Vanilla Vodka? Is so, would you recommend it? If not, the same question I guess.
)
Twitter: thegabels
says:
I did the first time I made it, but it’s not necessary at all. Just get the cheapest vodka you can find and it’ll work great!
I just love Homemade Vanilla and your recipe looks awesome! Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for sharing your tasty recipe with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted..Full Plate Thursday 1-24-13
Twitter: FreeStyleMama
says:
WOW! That’s awesome!
Diana Rambles recently posted..Bloggers Against Captcha
I’ll be giving this a try. Although I just got to bake with Neilsen Massey and I love it.
Nickida recently posted..Manti Te’o – Catfished?????
Twitter: thegabels
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Lucky! I’m dying to try their paste in something.
Twitter: brettbmartin
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this sounds like a fun thing to do for mom’s night — and make a few kinds of extract. how simple- and practical!
Brett recently posted..Razzleberry Leg Warmers Only $6!
Twitter: thegabels
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That would be fun! Then you could split them up between all the moms.
This definitely sounds like something fun to try!
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Twitter: practicallyf
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I’ve always wanted to try this! I made my own infused vodka with some raspberries and blackberries, but I haven’t tried the vanilla yet.
Jessi recently posted..DIY Rain Boot Liners!
Twitter: thegabels
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Oh yum! Now I’m going to have to play with infusing other stuff. Like pears (ha ha)!
I get my beans from olive nation.com very good prices and excellent quality.
Twitter: thegabels
says:
I’ve never gotten them from Olive Nation, but I hear they are a great source!
How do you know when the beans aren’t “working” if you keep adding vodka?
Twitter: thegabels
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If the vodka doesn’t start turning a brown color, or as dark of a brown as you want. I’ve personally never had that happen in 3 years. I just keep adding vodka and letting it all sit and I keep getting vanilla.
I buy my vanilla beans in bulk for various recipes and always have a bunch leftover. I’m totally making this. Thanks for joining in at Teach Me Tuesday!
Twitter: thegabels
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I actually threw in a few that were over a year old and drying out! Perfect way to use up beans. Thanks for the great party.
Twitter: no1vitaskin
says:
that is amazing
Deanna Lyn recently posted..Thai Curried Bok Choy (or Spinach) with Oyster Mushrooms
You’ve made it look easy Camille. I swear I am going to order some beans and give this a try! Thanks for sharing this at the party this week! I’m featuring it on my Facebook page too
Twitter: HomeCookMemory
says:
I still haven’t made my own vanilla extract, but seeing your post has me inspired to give it a try!
Brandie ( recently posted..Grown-Up Tuna Melts for #SundaySupper