Dec 7, 2013

Homemade vanilla extract


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)
instructions
  1. 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. 
  2. Store in a cool, dark place for one month, preferably two, shaking the bottle once a week.
notes
  • 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.

23 comments:

  1. This is such a great idea. Vanilla extract is extremely expensive here in Greece.So homemade one is much better!
    Have a lovely evening,dear!

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  2. I love making homemade vanilla...such a perfect holiday gift!!!

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    Replies
    1. Those are the best gifts, aren't they?

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  3. send me one plase LOL Im kidding! I love homemade vanilla
    and really Im seriously thinking in make my own, love this récipe, and the pictures look amazing!!

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    Replies
    1. :)...if you make one now, you'll have it sooner !

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    2. I love Café Fernando! I will try to make son, anyway I use a lotrs of vanilla!
      yours look amazing! (here is so cost

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  4. I love homemade vanilla, great pictures they are beautiful!

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  5. I'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!

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, I know...hard to add the commercial one once you've used your own. Thanks, Maureen.

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  6. I have never even thought of making my own vanilla. This is such a great idea.

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  7. What 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!

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  8. I love this recipe, thanks for sharing! I need to start making my own so your recipe makes me want to begin now!

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  9. I love making homemade vanilla extract - I've been doing it for probably over 2 years now and will never go back to store-bought!!

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  10. What a great idea! I've never made my own extract before. YUM.

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  11. That looks fantastic, great gift for any reason!!

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  12. I need to start doing this. I heard bourbon works well too!

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    Replies
    1. I heard that too, would probably be richer in tastes.

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  13. I would love to make my own vanilla extract. Thanks for the recipe!

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  14. Anonymous12/17/2013

    Homemade 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!

    I 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

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