DIY Vanilla Extract Reminder

It’s six months until Christmas, which means it’s time to make vanilla extract! Making vanilla at home is so easy and what better gift to give to your baking friends than a bottle of DIY vanilla extract!

With our home on the market I debated whether or not I should make another batch of vanilla extract this year. However I am nearly out of vanilla and I figured why not. If we end up moving before December I either pack up my jar or give it away!

DIY Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:

Vodka (the inexpensive stuff is fine)
Vanilla Beans (which I ordered through Olive Nation)
Kitchen Shears

Directions:

Begin by cutting through each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving about an inch at the top of each bean so they stay together.

Place all your beans into your jar.

Fill the jar with vodka. Mark the jar so you’ll know when the vanilla is ready. Put the lid on and store in a dark place for 4-6 months. Occasionally check the jar out and give it a shake.

Once the time period has passed, strain out the vanilla beans using a coffee filter lined colander. Bottle the extract in dark amber bottles and you’re ready to give it as gifts and start cooking with it yourself!

Usually I make a gallon of vanilla extract but this year I decided I would only make a quart. I may not have as much to give away at Christmas but it will be easier to move a quart size jar than a gallon!

If you haven’t made your own Vanilla extract now is the time to give it a try. You’ll never go back to store bought again!

1 gallon of vodka takes 80 vanilla beans
½ gallon of vodka (1.75L) takes 40 vanilla beans
1 quart of vodka takes 20 vanilla bean