DIY: Vanilla Extract

A few years ago, my sister-in-law, Nicole, gave us a kit for making our own vanilla extract. It was fun to do and tasted really good.

We wanted to see about doing it again since pure vanilla extract from the store is so expensive, and imitation vanilla has corn syrup and artificial flavors added to it.

So we bought some whole vanilla beans from amazon. We already had some rum (you can use rum or vodka) and an extra jar, so we were good to go!

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Here were my sources for figuring out what to do (you may want to read for more info on the process):

Taste for Adventure: How to Make Vanilla Extract

Simply Recipes: How to Make Vanilla Extract

Also, here's a write-up on the different vanilla bean varieties.

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Vanilla Extract

1. Sterilize your glass jar and lid in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Use 3 vanilla beans per 8oz of alcohol (in my 12oz jar shown to the left, I used 4 beans).

3. Slice the beans down the center to exposes the insides.

4. Place beans in the jar and cover with alcohol (rum and vodka are the most popular...use at least 80 proof)

5. Keep it stored in a dark cabinet for about 2 months. Shake it up about once a week.

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Other ways to use your beans:

Scrape the inside of a bean and use that in place of vanilla extract. Use one bean per 2 tsp of extract.

Make vanilla sugar. Cut open a bean and place in one to two cups of white sugar. Let it sit for about 2 weeks. Use in a recipe where you want vanilla flavoring, or use in coffee.

Find a dessert recipe that calls for real vanilla bean (like these).