I enjoy the flavor of homemade vanilla so much more than store bought, and homemade could not be easier to make!
I find I use much less homemade vanilla than the store bought version, whether it is pure or artificial. And when I discovered what goes into store bought vanilla to give it that vanilla flavor we all know and love, I have to admit I was somewhat disgusted!! I decided to quit purchasing it because I could just as easily make my own!
Now is it cheaper? Probably not, but it adds such a great flavor to cookies, cakes, frostings, french toast and so much more! Plus it lasts so long! I am using my large bottle of vanilla for quite some time — I refill my small bottle of vanilla so when the large bottle is at about half, I simply replenish it and then let it sit to develop the flavors. I have been using the same vanilla beans now for nearly two years, and it still produces wonderful tasting vanilla! And you do not have to worry about the alcohol because it will either cook out or evaporate, plus you use so little (one to two teaspoons) that it is safe for the youngin’s!
Let’s get started!
First off, you will need vanilla beans. I am using 5 vanilla beans today.
Next cut the beans in half.
Then place all the halved vanilla beans into a nice pretty bottle or jar. These make great Christmas or Mother’s Day gifts – all you need is to add a pretty label and some ribbon!
All the beans have been halved and placed in the jar. Now they are ready to flavor up some homemade vanilla!
Vodka. We use vodka in making our homemade vanilla. It takes on the flavor of the vanilla beans so well. I just use good old regular vodka. Add the vodka of your choice. I have used all sorts of vodka (except the flavored ones which we are actually experimenting with today!) and they all produce a great tasting vanilla.
Submerge the vanilla beans in vodka. Place a lid on.
This is the vanilla and vanilla beans that I have been using for 2 years – when the vanilla gets to about half, I replenish it with more vodka. I have never let it run completely empty.
The bottle on the left is my vanilla that has been sitting for about 5 months. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. I pour it into my small jar that I use because it is easier to pour from and then I replenish the large bottle with vodka once again. Super simple!
Vanilla is all its stages!!
The vanilla in the small bottle is what I use to bake with. The large bottle (middle in the picture below) has been replenished with vodka and will sit until the small bottle is empty and then I will re-fill the small bottle and then replenish the large one once again. The jar is the fresh vanilla we made with a cake-flavored vodka. I am interested in seeing what the flavor of this will be like in cakes and frostings! It will need to sit for 6 to 8 weeks. The longer it sits, the darker in color it becomes and of course the more flavorful it is.
As you can see, homemade vanilla is super easy to make and prepare and lasts a very long time! It is much more flavorful so you use less at one time.
Homemade Vanilla
1 bottle or jar
5 to 8 vanilla beans
vodka – enough to cover the beans or fill the jar you are using
Slice vanilla beans in half and place in bottle/jar. Add vodka to cover the vanilla beans. Let sit 6 to 8 weeks before using. When the jar gets to about half, replenish it with more vodka. Enjoy using in all your home baked goods or flavor eggnog, coffee and much more!
enjoy from Our City Homestead to yours