Homemade Vanilla Extract

By Hklbrries

Dear Heloise: Can you please provide the home recipe for making vanilla extract?

Cindy, via email

Yes, I can, and it’s a fun project to do, too! This is fairly easy to make. Start with a 1-liter bottle of either vodka or white rum and two vanilla beans, which you can find in most stores. The vanilla flavor comes from the seed, not the bean!

To expose the seeds, carefully cut open each vanilla bean lengthwise. If they are hard to cut, soak them in the vodka or rum until they become soft.

Next, put them in the rum or vodka, seal the bottle and let the mixture cure for at least 30 days. Then taste to see if it is strong enough. If not, let it sit for a few more days until you are satisfied with the flavor.

As you use the extract, you can replace the liquid by adding more vodka or rum. Once the flavor is not as strong, use what is left and make a new batch. Enjoy this added flavor in your baked goods or morning coffee.

Heloise

Ingredients

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Preparation

Step 1

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