Oct 26, 2016
Did you know you can make vanilla extract at home?? Yes! And did you know it requires only TWO simple ingredients: vodka + vanilla beans. If you get start on a batch of this Homemade Vanilla Extract soon, it will be in perfect condition to give away during the holidays. This is quite honestly THE ideal gift for the baker or dessert addict in your life.
Nearly every single baked good and dessert recipe calls for vanilla extract. I know for a fact that if I got a bottle of Homemade Vanilla Extract for Christmas, I would be over the moon happy and probably want to kiss you eight thousand times. Thoughtful gifts just do that for ya.
This is a gift so good you will get hugs and thank yous and dancing and clapping.
It smells good too. Kiddos can have their fun with their scented markers, us adults can live our lives sniffing bottles of vanilla.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Did you know you can make vanilla extract at home?? Yes! And did you know it requires only TWO simple ingredients: vodka + vanilla beans. This makes the PERFECT gift for the baker or food lover in your life!
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Slice the vanilla beans lengthwise, just enough so that you pierce through one side of the bean.
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Place the vanilla beans inside a bottle and cover completely with the vodka. Top with a lid. Shake the bottle vigorously, then place in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard or your pantry).
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Shake the bottle every day for 4 weeks (I put a daily reminder on my calendar so I wouldn’t forget). For the next 4 weeks you can shake it less often, like ~3x a week. Vanilla will be ready to use in 8 weeks. Shake before using.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Amount Per Serving (1 serving = 1 teaspoon)
Calories 11
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
^^ Day #1: the mixture will be clear.
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^^ Week 8: the mixture will be dark brown, just like storebought kinds!
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Enjoy!
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– Jess
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