How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

A perfect tutorial for the holidays, this step-by-step video will guide you through the process of making your own gourmet vanilla extract!

If you’re into baking, top quality vanilla extract is a must. Trust me on this.

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I show how insanely easy it is in this video.

 

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Oh yeah, and it’s cheap!

$40 for 1/2 a pound of beans + $20 for 1/2 gallon of vodka = $60 for a whole HALF GALLON of vanilla extract!

To put that in perspective, it would cost $160 to buy that much single strength vanilla from my favorite spice shop.
The cost per 4 oz bottle (the size shown at the end of the video) is $4.75, including the cost of the bottle itself. (My favorite spice supplier’s 4 oz bottle costs $13!)

QUESTIONS:
What’s the difference between Tahitian and Madagascar Bourbon beans?
Madagascar is mostly likely what you’re used to if you buy your extract from the store. Tahitian is “fruitier” and lighter. Each one is delicious in its own right, and I think it’s fun to give both as gifts so people can compare the two.

Can I use something other than vodka?
You can use rum, whiskey, bourbon, but it won’t be “pure” vanilla. There will be other flavors at play. That could be a good thing. Feel free to experiment! Why not?

Should I just throw away the bean bits when the extract is finished “extracting?”
NO WAY, JOSE! Spread them out on a cookie sheet and let them air dry a bit. Then mix a handful into a jar of sugar for vanilla sugar!

INGREDIENT SOURCES:
Vanilla Beans: http://www.vanillaproductsusa.com

Amber Dropper Bottles: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000…

 

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3 thoughts on “How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

  1. Love your site! Can you tell me where you bought the clear glass jar with handle, used in your Vanilla tutorial? I’m searching for bottles like that in the 4oz size. Thank you.

  2. Oh I love this! Vanilla extract is VERY expensive where I live and Smirnoff’s is cheap. Vanilla is my favorite flavor and I’m always running out when baking, so this is wonderful to know.
    Thank you so much!

    p.s. Hubs and I loved the snarky little comments in your video – they were funny!

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