Monday, December 16, 2013

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Last year around Christmas I saw a recipe in a magazine for homemade vanilla extract.  I clipped it and hoped to remember to do it the following year.  Surprisingly, I did.  On October 1st, I bought a few bottles of vodka, a lot of vanilla beans, and began the process.  

I cannot find that clipping now, but this recipe is similar.  

I stored the vanilla infused vodka in a dark closet for about two and a half months, shaking it weekly.

Before I poured it into individual bottles, it looked like this.  I was hoping for it to be a bit darker by now, but oh well.
The leftover beans from one bottle...
 An individual 8 oz bottle...
 I decided to add part of a vanilla bean to the individual bottles...
 All of the bottles (three are 16 oz and I still have about half of a vodka bottle left over)...

 Finally ready!

























It was a really fun gift to make, and it was super easy.  Let's just hope it tastes good!

5 comments :

  1. Those are so cute! What a great homemade gift idea. :) It does take planning though! I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever decide to try it.

    -Amy

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  2. Love it! What a great idea!!! I received a batch of this as a wedding shower gift years ago (we're coming upon our 16th anniversary) and I loved it… Have been meaning to make more. I think you've inspired me to give it a try. :)

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  3. You are amazing. Seriously, Britt. This is awesome!

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  4. Hi Britt! I've made this and it turns out great! I used what looks like the same little glass bottles and kept 1 vanilla bean in each. Baking with it turned out wonderful. Such a sweet idea!

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    1. So good to know, Carolyn! I'm anxious to try it :)

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