DIY Vanilla Extract {12 Weeks of Christmas Treats}




If you bake as much as I do, you go through vanilla extract like crazy!  So this year I decided to make my own.

This was such a ridiculously easy process that I made enough to give as Christmas gifts (teachers, neighbors, family - everyone’s getting these!)  By the way, if you’re one of those people I just mentioned, pretend to be surprised when you unwrap this at Christmas!


The vanilla extract takes 6-8 weeks to infuse before it’s ready to use, so you have just enough time to get started if you want to make some for Christmas.  But if you are getting started a little late, you can make vanilla extract anyway, just put a “Do not use before” date on the individual bottles!


From what I’ve read you can refresh your vanilla extract once it’s used up by adding another 8 oz of vodka and one more split bean!  You’ll also notice some little floaties in the bottle.  Since these are just the innards of the vanilla bean, it doesn’t need to be strained out unless you find little vanilla bean flecks to be unappealing.



DIY Vanilla Extract
Recipe adapted from several sources around the interwebs
  

Food Safe Bottles, 8.5 oz capacity (I used these)
Vodka, 8 oz per bottle
Vanilla Beans, split, 3 per bottle (I ordered mine here)


Wash and dry your bottles.

Use a kitchen shears to cut the vanilla beans in half the long way, leaving one end intact.  Use a funnel to pour the vodka into the bottle.  Seal and store in a cool, dark room for 6-8 weeks before using; giving them a shake every once in a while if you feel like it.


Comments

  1. I go through vanilla extract like crazy too! I've never made it, but I think I'm going to try now. I can't believe how easy it is! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday :)

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  2. This would be perfect as a Holiday gift. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Love this idea!! Need to make some of this for holiday gifts! :)

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  4. What a great idea - I'm on my way to get some bottles now! Joining from Whatsit Wednesday - http://allthoseartsygirls.blogspot.com/

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  5. I think I might make these for Christmas gifts! Thanks! I would love for you to add it to my weekly Mom's Library Link-Up along with any other of your amazing posts.
    http://heymommychocolatemilk.blogspot.com/2012/11/co-hosting-moms-library-4-for-me.html

    Thanks and be blessed,
    Julie

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  6. I love this idea - this is a great gift! Thanks for linking up to Friday Food Frenzy!

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  7. Wow! This is just too cool? Just pinned! Who knew?? Vodka? LOL! I bet this is the best ever vanilla, I just have to try it.

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  8. Very cool! I've made flavored vodka before by infusing some berries, but I just used it as vodka in drinks. Never thought to make vanilla! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!

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  9. I have a mason jar of vanilla infusing right now in my cupboard. It'll be ready to use here in 2 1/2 weeks - I'm so excited. I used vodka for my first round, but I really want to try rum. I'm not sure why, but I think that it'll turn out more flavorful and rich. I also cannot wait to do a taste test and compare store-bought to the homemade! ;) Thank you for linking this one up to last week's Tasty Thursday too!

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    1. You were one of the most clicked for last week's party and featured today on the blog: http://fantasticalsharingofrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/11/tasty-treasures_17.html

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  10. I have been wanting to try & make my own since I saw some on Pinterest last year. Thanks for sharing how to. I found you via a blog hop! I'd love to have you drop by sometime I am @ DearCreatives.com

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  11. I just sprinkled this post at all my favorite places: Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest;) Thank you for sharing at Freedom Fridays Blog Hop and congratulations on being one of the Five Faves!

    Hope your week is filled with Blessings!

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  12. How much does the quality of Vodka affect the overall taste? Am I Kay using a cheap vodka or should I go for the pricier stuff?

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    1. I used the cheap stuff and don't have any complaints!

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  13. I don't know why I don't make my own - I go through big bottles of vanilla extract in a matter of months, and of course have to buy the "good stuff" each time, so it costs a small fortune. I love the bottles you picked!!

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