Yes, it’s after Christmas. Yes, I’m posting a holiday gift idea when gift giving is probably the last thing you want to be thinking about. In my defense, I had to wait, otherwise it would have ruined the surprise for our parents, who each received a set of these for Christmas. For what it’s worth, this is not a last minute gift. I let mine steep for about 6 months. So you should be thanking me for giving you such a fabulous gift idea you can get started on so far in advance. You’re welcome.
Homemade vanilla extract. It sounds so… complicated. So involved. Something akin to distilling your own whiskey or something. But you’d be surprised how simple it is. As easy as pouring some booze into a bottle with a few vanilla beans, and then forgetting about it for 6 months. I think we’re all capable of that.
For this particular batch I purchased three different varieties of vanilla beans: Madagascar, Tahitian, and Tonga. I just love the idea of comparing the subtleties present in each variety (obviously, because I’ve done it before with eggplant, summer squash, figs, and garlic) and the three-extract sampler made the gift that much more special. The final product was packaged in 4oz amber bottles and stickered with a lovely designed label indicating the variety. I knew our parents would appreciate them so much more than a store-bought present.
Hooray for planning ahead.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Ingredients:
- 6-10 fresh vanilla beans (more beans will yield a stronger extract in shorter amount of time)
- 16 oz. (2 cups) vodka or other liquor
Directions:
- Split vanilla beans and scrape out seeds. Cut pods into 1″ pieces. Put both seeds and pod pieces into a glass jar or bottle. Fill with vodka and seal.
- Store jars in a cool dark place, gently shaking the mixture several times a week. For best results, allow to brew for at least two months, if not longer. The extract will get better with age.
- Strain out solids prior to using.
- You can also refill the bottle with more vodka as it is used. Occasionally you may also want to strain out the old vanilla beans and replace them with fresh beans. This is also a great use for old beans or beans used for other purposes (once you’ve scraped out the seeds for your other recipe, simply cut up the empty pod and add it to your extract.)
Did you make this recipe?
Let us know what you think!
Leave a Comment below or share a photo and tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #loveandoliveoil.
Free Printable Vanilla Labels
As for the rest of you, I’m not leaving you empty handed. You all seemed to love the labels I designed, so I figured, why not give those away, to everyone?
The .pdf file includes labels for 5 different varieties of homemade vanilla extract, including Tonga, Madagascar, and Tahitian (pictured above) as well as the addition of Bourbon and Mexican varieties. Simply print onto white sticker paper (available at office supply stores or online), cut out, and adhere to bottles. Please note these labels are for personal use only. Enjoy!
My all time fave – rhubarb vanilla bean jam. so beautiful and flavorful!
I’ve just found your blog, and I must say, it is gorgeous! I can’t wait to try out some of your recipes.
I recently saw another post about making your own vanilla and after seeing this one too, I’ve decided I simply must try it! (I never knew before this that it was even possible… nice to know I don’t have to spend all that money on pure vanilla extract anymore!) Though I do have a question… will the quality of vodka affect the end product at all? I know nothing about vodka, but my fiancé has a bottle of Karkov (left over from a roommate, I think) which he says is horrible stuff… will it make the vanilla extract taste bad if I use it for this instead of putting it down the drain or something? :-P
Interesting question. I would assume the quality of vodka would affect the outcome of the vanilla, but I don’t know how or if it’d be that noticeable. We used Sky vodka for ours. I say give it a go, can’t hurt, right?
i of course know that the giveaway is over, but i just wanted to comment on one of the types of vanilla beans you used! my boyfriend went to tonga a little over a year ago, and said it was the coolest place he’s ever traveled to. everyone there pretty much does nothing for a living, but it’s okay, because everyone does nothing. and the majority of his diet while he was there, at least, was fresh coconuts. how amazing does that sound?!
anyway, i’ve been following you two for a while now, and i love your blog and all of the beautiful recipes it houses!
sara
GIVEAWAY is now CLOSED. Thanks all for entering!
Homemade marshmallows made with homemade vanilla! Mmmmmm.
TODAY! I made vanilla pudding. It was awesome. New favorite.
I’m a big Facebook fan. I also tweeted :)
Love your blog. It gives me great ideas and it’s so beautiful!
Vanilla sugar cookies. Mmm! :D
a fan on facebook… and homemade vanilla bean ice cream on a warm chocolate gooey brownie can’t be beat!
Vanilla Bean Tea is definitely a favorite.
I like you on FB!
I tweeted (@AlmostVeganBlog)
I’ll eat vanilla anything…I suppose I’d have to say peanut butter blondies with hefty doses of salt and vanilla!
Vanilla Creme Brulee. Because vanilla beans are plump, fragrant and beautiful and being able to see the seeds and taste them is best!
And, followed you on facebook!
Mmmm, those look like a wonderful gift!!! Lucky parents ;-)
Honestly, I’m not a huge baker, but I’ve been known to make some banana bread, and I’m a believer in putting a little vanilla in the mix.
I gotta say though, in the off chance I won the beans, I’d probably do exactly
what you did with them, and gift the extracts to a wonderful friend of mine who has emotionally supported me so many times. She would certainly put them to good use!
Pure vanilla extract added to hot chocolate gives it so much more flavour and makes it all the more of a decadent, yet easy, homemade treat. I also love plain steamed milk with vanilla and a smidgen of sugar.
My favourite thing to have made for me with vanilla is proper soft vanilla caramels. I’m a great baker, but a dismal candy-maker, despite many attempts of “easy and simple” recipes, to the point that I’ve given up.
And finally, over Christmas, I made a couple of pies; I found a Butter Tart Pie recipe that I liked, but substituted the raisins for equal parts cranberries and chopped pecans. The vanilla was a distinct and important element to what quickly became a new family favourite.
Definitely vanilla buttercream frosting
And I’m a fan on facebook!
Vanilla ice cream, best way to showcase vanilla!
I follow you on twitter!
I love vanilla pound cake! SO good!
My favortie vanilla recipe is vanilla bean cupcakes with vanilla bean buttercream!
I also love making homemade vanilla extract and one of my favorite vanilla recipes is homemade vanilla marshmallows … Yum! Thanks for the giveaway!
Mmm I love everything vanilla, but I would have to say a simple vanilla custard, along with some fresh berries of sorts…mmmm heaven.
Oh wow, how weird Stella before me said the same thing! I like on Facebook and followed on Twitter and I think I just missed the time frame on this giveaway :(
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
hii hmm mine would be vanilla bean ice cream… HEHE
i already follow you and like you on facebook :)
Oh, and I am a fan on Facebook!
Vanilla bean cheesecake… I am smiling just thinking about it. =]
I also just signed up for Twitter, and tweeted my first tweet, thanks to you…. :)
and not to be outdone… Poached Pears with vanilla!
I’m a fan on facebook as well!
So many responses! But not to be outdone,… Poached pears! something like this one: http://www.beanilla.com/pears-poached-saffron-vanilla-bean-syrup-a-23.html
Non-dairy vanilla milkshakes!
I love vanilla bean oatmeal in the morning.
Vanilla bean caramels. Thanks for the vanilla source tip!
definitely madagascar vanilla frozen yoghurt!! so delicious and utterly simple, mixed with raspberries, mmmm!
also, im already a fan on facebook :)
My personal favorite vanilla recipe would have to be Crème Brulée, but only with a perfectly caramelized top and fresh, ripe berries on the side.
The Olive Orchard just followed you on Twitter. Love all things olive oil! Pour. Savor. Share.
I just liked you on FB! Love your photography :)
Valilla Fudge.