How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract (Great for AHR Gifts!)

[TammyWright]

I made some homemade vanilla extract for the holidays and I thought it would make a GREAT AHR gift.  Especially since places like Mexico, Tahiti, Madagascar are known for having GREAT vanilla beans.

 

It takes just a few minutes to make each bottle and the cost is about $3 a bottle but the same size bottle in the stores is like $12!

 

For the links on where to buy the stuff: http://www.marinhomestead.com/diy/how-to-make-homemade-vanilla-extract/

 

 

How to make Vanilla Extract

Makes 18 4 oz bottles

• 1.75 litre of good quality vodka
• 18 Vanilla beans
• 18 boston round bottles 4 oz size with caps

 

 

1. Take a vanilla bean, cut it in half.

 

2. Then cut each half lengthwise

 

 

3. Put the 4 pieces in your bottle, then with a funnel, add the vodka to the curved line in the bottle.

 

 

4. Screw on top and repeat with the rest of the bottles and vanilla beans.

 

5. Store in a dark, cool place.  We put them back in the box the bottles came in and put them in the pantry.

 

This is what the bottles look like after the 1st day.

This is what they look like 2 weeks after I made it.  The mixture will continue to get darker.  You should wait 2 months before using to get a fuller, vanilla flavor.

 

[ACDCDCAC]

tammy this is such an awesome idea! id love to do this for christmas gifts!

 

did you create your own labels?  where did you get the right size?

 

ETA: nevermind, i just saw the link on your blog! perfecto

 

PS- i Pinned it on Pinterest!

[TammyWright]

Abbe, It is so easy to do.  It does take some time to mature but you can always let your friends know to wait a bit to use.

 

It is great because they can just add more vodka to make more vanilla extract.

 

all links, etc. if not in this post are in the blog post.

[bondgirl0072010]

This is such a cute idea!

[jenn jenn]

 

Techy & David Musical SDE (Best Wedding film ever!!) http://vimeo.com/30973540

[Julietisurs]

This is a really great idea! Thanks for sharing.

[leungbobe]

This is very cool~~

[Smitten]

Great Idea!!!

[MissBubbles205]

Love this!!  Thanks for sharing Tammy!

[toribelle31]

This is so cool!  I was thinking of just buying the vanilla in Mexico and pouring into mini bottles.  BTW, anyone know where to find the mini bottles?  I'm having a hard time... I wanted 50 mL amber plastic bottles, but maybe with this recipe you could do clear bottles so you can see the vanilla.  Any help is appreciated!