Vanilla extract is one of the easiest things you are going to learn to make. It requires only 2 ingredients and makes your homemade baked goods taste and smell amazing.

Vanilla Extract

The bonus with your homemade vanilla extract is that you can fill it with more vodka as it runs out, which makes is a great gift that will keep on giving.

Ingredients:

1 cup (8 oz) vodka
3 whole vanilla beans
glass jars

Method:

Wash and sanitise your glass jars and lids.
Cut the vanilla beans in half, then split each half in the middle vertically leaving them attached (about 2cm) at one end.
Add the vanilla beans to the jars.
Use a funnel to add the vodka.
Screw the lid on tight and shake gently.
Let them brew for around 12 weeks. Shake occasionally.

Notes:

Homemade vanilla extract may be lighter than the store bought stuff. This may be due to the added ingredients or the process in which the store bought extract is made.
A great place in Australia to get quality vanilla beans from is Vanilla & Co.
Once the beans start showing, top up your bottle with some more vodka.
This vanilla extract does have a few flecks of vanilla seeds in it. If you do not like these, you can stain the vanilla through a sieve or strainer before using.
This recipe can be made with other alcohols such as white rum or bourbon.

I also created some printable labels which can be printed out on white label paper or on white paper and glued to your bottles. Click on the link below to download them.

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