The homemade vanilla extract and the shop bought are worlds apart. Learn how to make homemade vanilla extract in less than 20 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Servings: 1Cup
Cost: $5
Equipment
glass jar or bottle
kitchen scissors or sharp knife
Ingredients
3vanilla beans
1cupalcohol, eg. vodka, rum, brandy or spirit of your choice provided it’s at least 40% alcohol and the aroma doesn’t overpower vanillin
Instructions
prepare a clean glass jar or bottle.
split vanilla beans lengthwise and then in half
put vanilla halves into the bottle and pour the alcohol
close the lid or bottle top and leave in a dark place for at least 1-2 months
shake occasionally
Notes
Once you’ve used half of the homemade vanilla extract, simply top up the alcohol or add vanilla beans halves that you’ve scraped the seeds out or cooked with (just wash it thoroughly). Topping up can be done indefinitely.
If the aroma becomes too strong or the jar too crowded, simply divide the vanilla extract and beans into two bottles and pour more alcohol. The second bottle would make a lovely present!