I can't wait to see the finished product!
I had no idea how easy it would be to make my own vanilla extract or I would have been doing it for years!
There is no way to make or buy good vanilla extract on the cheap. However, it is cheaper to make your own, plus you control the strength.
First, I want to tell you what imitation vanilla is made from and why I would rather fork over the money for the real deal. The following information is based on the results of Googling “imitation” and “artificial” vanilla:
U.S. manufactured artificial vanilla is produced from synthetic “vanillin,” Lignin Vanillin, which is made from a by-product of the paper producing industry. This by-product is chemically treated to mimic the flavor of vanilla. The products help take care of an ecological problem with paper producers and created an “affordable” vanilla flavoring for the public.
The other synthetic common in Mexican artificial flavorings is Ethyl Vanillin derived from coal tar.
Yuck, right?!
Let's make some vanilla, it's super easy! After checking out tons of recipes for the perfect bean to alcohol ratio, I believe this mix is the most economical and produces the best flavor.
6 vanilla beans
25 oz cheap vodka (750 ML)
Put the vodka in a jar or remove a little from the original bottle and use that.
Split the vanilla beans lengthwise. I tried using a sharp knife but needed more control so I switched to scissors. Also, my jar was fat so I cut them in half.
Place the cut beans directly into the vodka. Put the lid on tightly and give it a slight shake. I used an old spaghetti sauce jar. Just in case there was any smell remaining in the lid, I placed a layer of plastic wrap over the opening before I put the lid on.
Put the jar in a paper bag to keep light out or place it in a dark cabinet. Give it a little shake every week or so. In about 3 to 4 months you will have homemade vanilla extract.
You'll know it's ready when the color is a dark amber and it smells like vanilla. This will keep for over a year and beans can be re-used, but will lose strength.
Pour the finished product into any type of bottle you want, preferably a dark color or leave in the original jar and keep in a dark place. If you don't want the seed specks in your recipes, use a coffee filter to strain.
As homemade extract continues to sit it becomes stronger. If you leave the beans in it, adjust the amount you use in recipes to about half the recommended recipe amount.
This recipe is linked up at:
Saturday Sweet Shots, Colleen's Kitchen Recipe Swap, Recipe Swap Sunday
4 Comments - Click Here To Leave Yours:
Great idea. I didn't know it is so easy as well. I will definitely have to try it.
I've always meant to do this but never have! Let us know how it turns out! I might just try some for myself, thanks!
I have always wanted to make this. It is so easy and so much cheaper then buying organic vanilla!
I had no idea it could be soooo simple! My sister brought vanilla home from Haiti years ago that I loved and used sparingly to make it last as long as possible! I do believe this could come close to it. Thanks for sharing!
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