Homemade Vanilla Extract
HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT MAKES THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT. THIS IS EASY AND INEXPENSIVE TO MAKE AND CAN BE PUT TOGETHER IN MINUTES!
Todays post is part of the Cozy Living Series hosted by my friend JENNIFER. Make sure and click on the thumbnails below and pop over to see what the other bloggers are sharing this month.
It’s never too early to start planning those homemade Christmas gifts to hand out to friends and family and this is one you’ll want to start on early. Homemade vanilla extract needs time to sit and do it’s thing so you’ll want to add this to your to do list right away.
PERFECT GIFT
Part of the fun in making it for me is finding just the right vintage amber bottle to store and gift it in. It’s easy peasy to make and once you’ve baked with the good stuff you’ll never go back to imitation store bought vanilla.
INEXPENSIVE
You’ll need Grade B vanilla beans, and vodka, rum, or bourbon (40% alcohol). My first choice is to use bourbon but you’ll be able to get vodka much cheaper so if your making a big batch to gift I’d recommend cheap vodka, the cheapest you can find it won’t affect the flavor if its cheap. Just make sure it’s 40% alcohol.
JUST CLICK ON THE RECIPE ABOVE TO PRINT
TAKES MINUTES TO MAKE
By using bourbon you’ll get a sweeter tasting vanilla, which is better for baking, but it’s truly personal preference. The longer you can let it steep the better flavor you’ll have. I recommend at least 6 weeks but the longer the better. If you make it now it will be perfect to use as Christmas gifts.
LASTS FOR YEARS
Also make sure to refill the bottle from time to time with the alcohol of your choice. You’ll get a couple of years out of the same vanilla beans.
If you haven’t seen my baking cupboard you’ll find it here where you can see how I store all my baking needs along with links of where to find everything.
Thanks for stopping by today and make sure you check out the links below for more cozy October ideas.
Duke Manor Farm / Creative Cain Cabin / Sincerely Marie Designs / Town and Country Living
Vinyet Etc. / Finding Silver Pennies / Hymns and Verses / It All Started with Paint
Dawn, I absolutely LOVE this idea! I’m definitely making this for myself and to give as gifts. I like how you made the recipe card, too!
Jennifer you love using this vanilla it’s so much better than the fake store bought stuff.
What a great idea! I never knew you could make your own!!! And, perfect for gifting! Thanks for sharing this!
Doreen I also make elderberry syrup and lots of people didn’t know that was possible either.
I’m flabbergasted! I have no idea you could make your own vanilla extract!!!! I love, love, love this idea! Now I must find me some vanilla beans to try this out!!!!
🙂 Linda
Linda order your vanilla beans from Amazon much cheaper and you get more than you’d find in the grocery store, just get grade B.
This blows my mind! I had no idea it was so easy, these would be amazing gifts – I have to start now for Christmas!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Laurie yes make some now and gift for Christmas.
I love this idea! It would make such a great gift, especially this time of the year. I’ve always wanted to make my own vanilla but have never gotten around to it. Thanks for sharing how-to and for the inspiration!
Amanda you need to make a batch it would be ready just in time to gift for Christmas.
Dawn, this is such a wonderful idea. I honestly didn’t know I could make my own vanilla extract. Wow! Thank you xx
Danielle yes and it’s so easy. Make for a great Christmas gift.
Dawn I just love this idea , particularly for gift giving. where did you get those bottles?
Laura I found them at Hobby Lobby.