This makes things very easy as I divide this amount among four 8-ounce containers, and it’s very easy to divide the 1/4 pound of beans amongst them. The recommended ratio of vanilla beans to vodka that I have found works best is 1 quart vodka to 1/4 pound of dry vanilla beans. If you are sensitive to certain grain-based vodkas, I do recommend selecting a certified gluten-free vodka, I like and use Tito’s. Cheaper, many times, is better since there are no distinguishing flavors from the vodka, as it can be with a pricer spirit, which can interfere with the vanilla flavor. To start, for a standard vanilla extract, I recommend an inexpensive vodka, at least 70 proof. Plus, this delicious homemade vanilla extract makes an amazing thoughtful gift. But, it is all more than worth it when you end up with the tastiest, most incredible flavor – perfect for all of your baking needs. You do need a little patience while the flavor of the vanilla beans is extracted, which takes several weeks. You literally need just two ingredients, alcohol and vanilla beans and just a few minutes of prep time. Making homemade vanilla extract is so easy. No need for step-by-step photos on this one, just one quick step and then we wait. So, I thought an easy, no frills tutorial would be perfect. Store finished extract in the pantry (not the refrigerator) away from light and heat.I know it’s been a while since I have shared a Tutorial Tuesday post with you guys, but it’s been a busy few weeks. You can also take vanilla beans from which you scraped the seeds and add them to vanilla extract in the works. As you use the extract, just keep adding a little vodka to replace what you took out. When you transfer the extract to smaller bottles for gifting, add the beans to the bottles as well. The batch above has been sitting for 6 weeks. Store at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, the longer the better. Secure the lid on the bottle and swirl it around a bit. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and place them in the large bottle. I like the ratio of 4 whole vanilla beans to 8 ounces of vodka. Red is perfect for the holiday, but there are lots of pretty colors available.ġ-2 months before you want vanilla extract, prepare the batch. String: Not necessary, but I use this baker’s string for many gifts from my kitchen. Bourbon vanilla is the most flavorful of all the vanillas and what I use for all my baking. Bourbon, by the way, refers to the island of Bourbon in Madagascar, not the alcohol. We used 3/4 of a pound of these Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans. Grade B Vanilla Beans: Grade B beans are best for extract as they are too dry for cooking, but still are high quality in taste and flavor. Recently, I had Lauren provide me a little tutorial on making vanilla extract and give me all her sources for labeling and making these look so cute. Somehow manufacturers are allowed to use the word “pure” on the label while adding things like corn syrup solids. Just an FYI, even if you don’t make your own vanilla extract, do read the ingredient label on commercially-prepared ones. In fact, I think it’s one of those ingredients that has a natural sweetness to it without actually containing a sweetener. I love the essence of vanilla in baked goods and desserts. First of all, I just love homemade gifts, especially homemade food gifts! And vanilla is something I use a lot of, so I was really grateful to be given something so good AND useful. My assistant Lauren gave me a bottle of homemade vanilla extract last year for Christmas and I was absolutely delighted to receive it. Still a little early to think about this, but lots of holidays are coming up and I will not be thinking about making vanilla extract in November. I might have my meal plan figured out for the week, but I’m the mom on Halloween morning looking for electrical tape to try and make a Bat Man costume.īut, I do have a great idea that you can do now for holiday gifts or holiday baking - DIY vanilla extract! Why am I talking about this now after I just said I don’t plan for the holidays this far in advance? Because although vanilla extract takes minutes to make, it requires about 6 weeks to sit and brew. Do I do any of my holiday gift buying before Labor Day? Under no circumstances. Is it too early to start thinking about the Christmas holidays.
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