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Homemade Double-Strength Vanilla Extract

November 11, 2013 By satisfyingeats 12 Comments

Vanilla visualThis recipe was taken from my new Cookbook, Comforting Eats, due out tomorrow, November 12th (eBook) and spiral version will be ready mid December!  For more details and a chance to win 1 out of 5 eBooks, check out THIS blog post! 

The gift that keeps on giving, Homemade Vanilla Extract!  A few months ago I FINALLY made my own vanilla extract, and I am kicking myself why I haven’t made  sooner!  A friend had given me 3 bottles of vanilla extracts, each using vanilla beans from different regions. She presented it in a beautiful box, with each bottle clearly labeled with the type of vanilla bean used as well as a printed insert with more information about the region of origin for each type of bean. It was wonderful!! Unfortunately, as much as I use vanilla, it didn’t last long so it was time to start making it myself!

032 (2)Two months ago, nothing but vodka and vanilla beans. I patiently (well, not really) waited for my extract to brew….

VanillaTwo months later, I am using my yummy, Double Strength Vanilla Extract!

Read your labels when purchasing Vanilla Extract

Please, whatever you do, DO NOT purchase imitation vanilla extract…PLEASE!! There is no telling how many chemicals were used to create the vanilla “flavor” and your baked goods will not taste as good, guaranteed! Also, be very leery of the $10 bottles of “Mexican Vanilla” that someone brings back from their cruise. It’s probably not even vanilla!

Some of the vanilla extracts in the store also contain corn syrup! What!?!? READ the labels!  I used to buy the 16 oz McCormick Vanilla Extract which didn’t contain the corn syrup but there smaller bottles did. Makes no sense to me other than it is best to make your own and it’s so EASY!  If you must buy some, THIS kind is best, but I admit, it is VERY expensive!

A little Vodka never hurt

As most of you may know, I am not a drinker, but when it comes to cooking and baking, I LOVE to use different alcohols to flavor dishes…. like gluten-free beer in my Adobo Chicken or red wine in my Pot Roast. Also, white wine in my cream sauce for my Shrimp Alfredo and of course, Marsala wine in my Tirimisu.  Well here is another use of alcohol other than drinking.

Vodka is vehicle of choice when making homemade extracts. Something that is 80 proof, you DEFINITELY don’t have to worry about anything growing in bottle.  Vodka has the least amount of  “flavor” so it is pretty neutral once the vanilla beans have been infused into it. You can also use bourbon if you don’t mind the flavor.  Booze Up (https://www.booze-up.com) deliver spirits including vodka, gin & whiskey throughout the night.

The Perfect Vodka

Honestly, you can use any vodka but many will tell you, the higher quality, the better your vanilla extract will be. If you can find it, search out an organic and gluten-free brand (click HERE for gluten-free brands).

The Perfect Bean

018

You also want to seek out organic beans. These can be found online. Here are some on Amazon. The beans I used came from a local co-op so I got them for a pretty good price.

Here are some other options for beans:

Premium Vanilla Beans (1/2 lb.) (70 ¢ per bean)
Premium Vanilla Beans (1/4 lb.) (80 ¢ per bean)
Organic Vanilla Beans (1/4 lb.) ($1.40 per bean)

Note: Calculations are based on there being 25 beans per 1/4 lb but there are usually more beans (depending on plumpness) so the price per bean is actually cheaper than listed.

The Perfect Jars

jas

Purchase Vintage Ball Jars HERE.

I have experimented with different size and types of jars and I actually prefer the pint size jars for making or “brewing” the extract.  This give me room to actually remove some of the beans to “transplant” to bottles that I will give as gifts. When giving as gifts these smaller bottles work well and be sure to put some of the cut vanilla beans in the recipients jar so that they can continue to create more extract.

005

The bottle of vanilla extract that I received as a gift. I LOVE the personalized labels!

EASY & FUN

As you can see, making homemade vanilla extract is super easy and everyone will LOVE to receive small bottles of extracts as gifts.

Double Strength Vanilla Extract

Makes 2 cups

 30 fresh (preferably organic) vanilla beans

2 cups vodka (preferably organic)

Directions

Using kitchen scissors, split the beans lengthwise and then in half.  Place beans inside clean pint jar. Pour vodka over beans. Be sure the beans are completely submerged under vodka. Place lid on jar and store in pantry. agitate the bottles once a week. Extract will be ready to use in about 6 weeks the longer it sits, the stronger the extract becomes.

As extract is used, replace with more vodka. 

*Use this extract spoon for spoon in recipes calling for vanilla extract. 

Comforting Eats Cookbook Cover.jpgbig

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By clicking on any of links in my blog, you are helping me continue doing what I LOVE to do!  Also, when purchasing items from Amazon, consider clicking on THIS affiliate link.  Anything you purchase within 24 hours after clicking on THIS link, I will receive a small commission as well. Thanks again for all of your support, it is greatly appreciated! More great recipes to come!

For a complete list of recommended items, check out THIS link or Shop in my Amazon Store.

Related

Filed Under: Condiments Tagged With: extract, vanilla

About satisfyingeats

“...no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.” ~ Julia Child
Melissa is the mother of 2 beautiful boys and the creator of the Satisfying Eats Blog. She has also authored two cookbooks, Satisfying Eats and Comforting Eats, out of her love for Southern food but with a grain-free twist.

From an early age, Melissa has always loved to cook, and after going grain-free almost three years ago, she has had to relearn everything she thought she knew about great cooking so that she could continue to create delicious recipes. Creating tasty Grain-Free Southern food and helping everyone she can along the way is her passion.

Melissa graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. She also has been personal training and teaching STOTT Pilates for over 10 years.

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Comments

  1. JoEllen says

    November 12, 2013 at 9:49 am

    This may be a silly question, but when you use the vanilla and replace with more vodka, how long do you wait for it to be ready again? If it takes 6 weeks for the original batch to be ready, how long must you wait once you add fresh vodka again? I’ve never made this before, but I just love the thought of doing it for Christmas gifts this year! 🙂 Thank you!

    Reply
    • satisfyingeats says

      November 13, 2013 at 6:48 pm

      JoEllen, there is really no rule but you can tell it is ready by the color. I even used it when it was not ready and it was good. It is probably good to have 2 bottles going, use one up and then replace the vodka and then use the other bottle while the 2nd bottle is brewing. Hope this helps and Yes, it would be perfect for Christmas!

      Reply
  2. April says

    November 16, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    Hi, this is quite a silly question but I do not drink due to religion so I have never really paid attention to where to buy alcohol… I want to make vanilla extract (because honestly it is just too expensive store bought!) but I have no idea where to find vodka or bourbon whiskey. My local wholefoods representative said I would need to go to a specialty store for the bourbon but I was wondering if that is the case for vodka as well? Also how much do bourbon whiskey and vodka run? Thanks!

    Reply
    • satisfyingeats says

      November 18, 2013 at 3:14 pm

      April, you can vodka or bourbon at most grocery stores, brands will vary based on your region. I am not a drinker myself but I do LOVE using it to cook. I hope this helps and keep me posted!

      Reply
      • JT says

        January 15, 2014 at 2:52 pm

        Melissa, hate to contradict you, but she will likely find vodka or bourbon in a grocery store only in Louisiana! I know that’s where you are from and you are probably used to seeing liquor sold at your usual grocery and convenience stores. But most states only sell liquor at a liquor store! 🙂 You are forgetting you live in the party state!

        You are awesome – love all your recipes!

        – JT

        Reply
        • satisfyingeats says

          January 15, 2014 at 2:54 pm

          Lol, true JT! Thanks so much!

          Reply
  3. Carol says

    March 3, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    How many times can you replace the vodka before the vanilla beans are spent – with no flavor left. I would think you would eventually be diluting the vanilla by always adding more vodka if the beans themselves are no longer flavorful. Thanks! I have a bunch of recipes on the list this week. Can’t wait to make more desserts.

    Reply
    • satisfyingeats says

      March 29, 2014 at 6:54 pm

      Carol, I am about to use my 3 soaking of beans. The 2nd batch was fine. I think the older the beans are, maybe the longer they need to soak.

      Reply
  4. Christine says

    April 4, 2014 at 3:10 am

    I was just wondering how long the vanilla extract will last. Will it taste differently when it’s gone bad?
    Also, I just found your blog and am super happy I did. I have yet to try out a recipe but my husband and I have been trying to eat more low sugar/carb and it’s refreshing to find recipes and a website that doesn’t care about making things low fat as well. I just purchased your recipe book, thanks!

    Reply
    • satisfyingeats says

      April 6, 2014 at 1:35 pm

      Christine, it will last a while. As long as the vanilla beans remained submerged in the vodka, nothing can grow! I am glad you are enjoying my blog and recipes! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Emma says

    August 20, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    I’m trying to determine the type of beans to use for splitting and scraping into recipes versus extract. I see grade A (wet, plump), B (in between) and “split”/dry.

    I’d like to have 30 to use for this recipe, and a few that are ideal for scraping into panna cotta, pudding, ice cream, etc. Which type is best for each purpose? Thanks!

    Reply

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