I first started making vanilla extract in March of 2013. In fact, the same vanilla beans I purchased are still in the jar. I top the extract off with more vodka now and then, as well as add more vanilla beans. I no longer have to spend lots of money at the store on vanilla extract. This is a gift that keeps on giving. Stop wasting money on pure vanilla extract at the grocery store and make your own. It is so simple! The hardest part is waiting 8 weeks.
Here’s how you make it:
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Things Needed:
- Jar or Bottle
- Vanilla Beans in your favorite variety (rule of thumb is 5 beans per 1 cup of alcohol)
- Vodka, but you can also use Bourbon, Rum, or Brandy
Directions:
- Use a knife to split the bean in half, leave about a ½-inch at each end intact.
- Put your vanilla beans in your glass bottle or jar and cover them with vodka.
- Close jar or bottle and store in a cool, dry place for at least 8 weeks. Give the bottle a shake every week or so. As you use the vanilla, simply add more liquor to replace what you have used.
Vanilla Sugar
A lot of European cookie recipes use vanilla sugar in place of vanilla extract. Vanilla sugar can be utilized in a variety of desserts; from apple pies, cookies to light and airy whipped cream. Vanilla sugar can also be used in savory recipes to give a slight sweetness to acidic foods like barbecue sauce and vinaigrettes. You could even add it to drinks such as coffee or tea – the possibilities are endless. Here’s how you make it:
Things Needed:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Jar
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Vanilla beans
Pour the sugar into an airtight container. If the vanilla bean is whole, slice it halfway through the long way, open up the bean, and use a spoon or kitchen knife to scrape out the black gooey specks. Stir the specks into the sugar, and bury the bean pod in the sugar. Cover the jar and let stand for at least 1 week.
Shake the jar once in a while you can prevent the sugar from sticking to each other.
Yes, it’s that easy.
Vanilla is a great gift; it keeps on giving!
Julie is HostessAtHeart says
Love this tip!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thanks, Julie! 🙂
Dor says
I love the idea of making vanilla sugar. My sister-in-law used to do that (but I never knew how) for her recipe for Vanilla Kipfuls (Austrian cookies she made at Christmastime).
I think the jar of sugar with a pretty bow and some of those cookies would make a great gift! Thanks so much for sharing.
The Mountain Kitchen says
Dor, this sugar is good even in coffee! David used some just this past Sunday on some cinnamon sugar toast. It would make a great gift, and the uses are unlimited and keeps of giving. I could go for one of those cookies you speak of… 🙂
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser says
Mom makes the Vanilla Extract I make the vanilla sugar, got it covered! Woo Hoo!
The Mountain Kitchen says
🙂
Amanda says
Really? That’s all vanilla extract is? Wow. This is what I love about reading blogs. You realize that anything can be done at home again. Thank you 🙂
The Mountain Kitchen says
Hi Amanda! I take it you are going to make some now?? I hope so! It is really good and it keeps on making. Thanks for stopping by The Mountain Kitchen! 🙂