Thanks to
Heidi_@_homeingreece, I finally decided to try to make my own Vanilla Extract. Her instructions arrived in my email inbox on the perfect day, as I had an opportunity to go to a bulk foods store today and the lady there was able to sell 3 vanilla beans to me! I always keep Vodka around (not that I ever drink it. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and we don't drink alcoholic beverages.) I keep a supply, though, for making medicinal tinctures. I think this big bottle of Vodka cost less than $10. The vanilla beans were $2.25 each. I could probably buy them in bulk for less a piece, but I only wanted 3, so I was delighted to find them.
So, here are the ingredients... Vodka and 3 vanilla beans. I am using a 16 ounce bottle. I have several of those from making kefir soda.
Here are my three precious vanilla beans. Heidi's instructions said to slit each one lengthwise with a razor blade. So, I did.
Then I put them in the bottle:
And filled the bottle with Vodka:
I put it in a cupboard and will take it out and shake it gently, once a day, and theoretically, that will make Vanilla Extract!
Heidi also said you can use the beans more than once! So, this will be quite economical.
Stay tuned. I'll let you know how it turns out. :)
Thats cool! If that works it would be way cheaper than buying the vanilla extract from the store. I don't understand how the vanilla beans would be able to work more than once...
ReplyDeleteMe either, but we'll see!
DeleteI can't wait to hear how it turns out. If it works, it would definitely be cheaper for me to make it instead of buy it. I have my doubts. I just don't see how three beans can flavor that much vodka. And re-using the beans? Hmmm....
ReplyDelete