Well, I'm not in the USA anymore where vanilla extra is...Vanilla Extract. Here - not available (without overpaying). Since then, I've used an artificial substitution only once and then I've decided to make my own essence.
Recipe adapted from Cafe Fernando
time: 10 min preparation + 1-2 months inactive
makes 4 cups
ingredients
- 12 vanilla beans
- 4 cups ( about 1 l) good vodka (I used Smirnoff)
- Using a sharp knife, cut beans in half, lengthwise. Place them in a bottle and pour vodka making sure all the beans are covered. Close the bottle tightly.
- Store in a cool, dark place for one month, preferably two, shaking the bottle once a week.
- during the process (and after), I drop in the bottle all used beans that haven't been steeped;
- after two moths, I strain the liquid through a sieve and into little bottles; I add one bean (from the 12 used) to each...make good gifts;
- I leave the big bottle with enough vanilla extract for me - ups! almost gone;
- the recipe came from a Turkish blogger-turned-pro, Cenk; he's got a beautiful site with great recipes, amazing pictures...and one of the best conversion helps.
This is such a great idea. Vanilla extract is extremely expensive here in Greece.So homemade one is much better!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening,dear!
Thanks, Lenia :)
DeleteI love making homemade vanilla...such a perfect holiday gift!!!
ReplyDeleteThose are the best gifts, aren't they?
Deletesend me one plase LOL Im kidding! I love homemade vanilla
ReplyDeleteand really Im seriously thinking in make my own, love this récipe, and the pictures look amazing!!
:)...if you make one now, you'll have it sooner !
DeleteI love Café Fernando! I will try to make son, anyway I use a lotrs of vanilla!
Deleteyours look amazing! (here is so cost
I love homemade vanilla, great pictures they are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ann. Me too, me too. :)
DeleteI've made my own vanilla extract for years and I cringe if I let it get away from me and have to buy commercial extract from the store. I like mine so much better. I know where the beans are from and what's in there. Lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I know...hard to add the commercial one once you've used your own. Thanks, Maureen.
DeleteI have never even thought of making my own vanilla. This is such a great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a handy recipe. I'm fortunate to be able to buy my own, but this would come in handy if I lived somewhere else - or wanted to try making my own!
ReplyDeleteI love this recipe, thanks for sharing! I need to start making my own so your recipe makes me want to begin now!
ReplyDeleteWow! Nicely done!
ReplyDeleteI love making homemade vanilla extract - I've been doing it for probably over 2 years now and will never go back to store-bought!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I've never made my own extract before. YUM.
ReplyDeleteThat looks fantastic, great gift for any reason!!
ReplyDeleteI need to start doing this. I heard bourbon works well too!
ReplyDeleteI heard that too, would probably be richer in tastes.
DeleteI would love to make my own vanilla extract. Thanks for the recipe!
ReplyDeleteI so want to make this!
ReplyDeleteHomemade vanilla is the best!! Your vanilla looks really good. I like the bottles you used. Thank you for the recipe. The bottles makes great gifts for those that like to bake. I love to bake, cook and grill, love food!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your site, plan to visit again soon.
Greetings from South Carolina, USA. North of Atlanta, GA.
Michael :-)
check out my site sometime, Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cake