HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT TIME

For regular blog readers going a few years back, you will recognize this process. 2nd Man reminded me a couple weeks ago that it was time to start some new vanilla extract since we are running low.  It's been over a year since we started our last batch.

First thing I had to do was get over the shock of the price of vanilla beans. Did you know there was a vanilla bean shortage last year?  2016 was the smallest supply of beans in decades and as a result, vanilla everywhere has skyrocketed.  

We still buy ours from the same place we always do.

WWW.TOPVANILLA.COM 

Now we sometimes do the 5 beans if we're going to let it sit awhile.  This batch I just made had 7 beans. We've done as many as 10 before, which makes a really strong vanilla really quickly. When cheaper, 10 is good, when expensive, 5 or 7 will work too.  

Making homemade vanilla extract

Seven beans and a bottle of vodka...pour off some of the vodka into a glass since the beans will displace some of it... 

Vanilla beans for extract

I like to slice them in half lengthwise so that more of the bean is exposed to the alcohol, then just drop them into the bottle of vodka...  

Beginning vanilla extract

Add as much of the displaced vodka as will fit back in.  Think of it as more future extract, don't waste it.  Of course whatever doesn't fit, well that's up to you to dispose of by whatever means necessary. :-)

Keep it in a dark cabinet away from heat and light and every few days, gently turn the bottle a few times to get it mixed up.  About three months later it will be ready, though 2nd Man likes to wait a full six months to start using it. 

Making vanilla extract

Here it is after a few days.  Already going from clear to dark.  In the end, it turns a rich, deep brown color just like the extract you buy in the store. We have one of those gold permanent coffee filters that we use exclusively for this.  Just pour it through and you have beautiful, homemade vanilla extract!  Seeing as how a little bottle at the store is about $12, this is about $125 worth at that rate, ha.