It’s so nice to give homemade gifts! This year I decided to make homemade vanilla extract to give to my friends and family. It’s easy! Here’s the recipe…
Recipe for Homemade Vanilla
Ingredients:
2 to 2 1/2 Vanilla Beans (I used organic vanilla beans)
1/2 cup Vodka (or Brandy)
1. Slice the vanilla bean pods down the side leaving about an inch at the top to keep it connected. (This makes it easier to handle the vanilla bean pod without damaging the seeds inside.)
2. Split the pod open to reveal the little beans inside.
3. Place beans in a bottle.
4. Place a little funnel in the bottle and pour in alcohol, making sure to fully cover the bean pods. (Vodka will taste more like normal vanilla extract. Brandy will have a stronger flavor.) After adding the alcohol, put the lid on the bottle.
5. Store in a dark place for 6 – 8 weeks. Shake the bottle once a week.
I made mine this week, so it won’t be fully mature by the holidays. It will be given out with instructions to wait before using.
The best things in life are worth waiting for!
-Mama Lisa
Note: Make sure the vanilla beans are always covered with alcohol. As you use it, add more alcohol to keep the beans covered. This has the added benefit of restoring your supply of vanilla.
This article was posted on Friday, December 7th, 2012 at 1:58 pm and is filed under Customs and Traditions, Desserts, Gift Giving, Gift Ideas, Gifts for Cooks, Holiday Recipes, Holidays Around the World, Homemade Gift Ideas, Recipe for Homemade Vanilla, Recipes of the World, Recommendations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
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