It's time again...
Regular blog readers know that we make our own vanilla extract. Usually twice a year. The last batch was ready back in June. We should have started some then but we forgot. Now we're getting low but should be OK until this batch is ready, ha.
You can CLICK HERE to see our last post about it. We still get our beans from our favorite place, Vanilla Bean Kings. Prices have come down over the last year so that's always good. They are definitely a quality source for vanilla products.
10 vanilla beans, sliced in half lengthwise...
...and dropped into a 750ml bottle of vodka. This bottle had a special "wrap" label all the way around it so we removed it to see the beans more easily.
Store in a cool, dark place, once a week gently turn the bottle a few times to move the beans around and in a few months you have wonderful vanilla extract. It should be ready after 2 or 3 months, we just let ours go for 6 to get maximum flavor. Either use straight from the bottle or pour through a coffee filter. Definitely cheaper than buying it already done (assuming you have the time to wait of course).
Thank you for the link. I will be ordering some for sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the vanilla bean link. I forgot that I purchased a bottle of vodka last year to make vanilla but put off due to bean costs. Just ordered 10 to make some extract. I am down to my last purchased vanilla bottle. Should be ready just in time.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of one more thing I lost to the dump--homemade vanilla extract. Except I made mine with rum because rum is good as a flavoring, too. So, I had it on hand.
ReplyDeleteStill have plenty of vanilla as I made a double batch last time. However,since I will be juicing 4 lbs of oranges for the Thanksgiving cake, I plan to use the peeling and make some orange flavoring. Hope it turns out well as I have not tried it before.
ReplyDeleteHomemade vanilla, put in small jars makes for a great gift to put in a gift basket along with other baking items; kitchen T towels / hot pads, packaged cookie mix / sprinkles,cookie cutters, wooden spoon, rubber spatula, etc. ( U get the idea)
ReplyDeleteI love making my own vanilla extract too. I have a new bottle that turned 6 months old 2 weeks ago. Since it is the holidays I almost forgot to start another bottle. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever tried other extracts?
Looks and sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteA pint of McCormick's real vanilla is over $30 on Amazon! Just one bundle of grade B vanilla beans plus a 750 ml bottle of vodka gives you 3x more vanilla at a lower price. Wow. Thanks for the vanilla bean link--it's time to start brewing my own!
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