How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

Be sure and check out our GIVEAWAY while you're here.

Vanilla extract is one of those things that you should always have on hand in your kitchen. It just adds that little bit of flavor to so many homemade goods that just make them shine. I first learned how to make my own vanilla extract from Marillyn over at just-making-noise. I pinned her recipe a long time ago, and finally got around to trying it months later. 

I can't believe I waited so long to try it! Really, making your own vanilla extract is probably one of the easiest things you will ever do in your kitchen. It's a small monetary investment at the beginning, but it QUICKLY plays off. Plus, when you make it yourself in a big batch like this, your much less likely to ever run out. 

How to Make Your Own Vanilla Extract 

Really, this is less like a recipe and more like simple instructions. The method is very simple. To start, make sure you have all the ingredients you need on hand. 

You Will Need:

Whole vanilla beans (find them here)

Glass bottles (this is the kind I used)

High-proof vodka

First, gently cut open your vanilla bean pods and scrape out the little gorgeous seeds. Place the seeds in your glass bottle. And then add in the pods. Cover with alcohol. Put lid on your glass gar. 

Leave it out somewhere so you can see it and shake it occasionally. When the alcohol has turned from clear to light brown, it's ready to use. This can take a few months as the alcohol draws out the flavor from the vanilla. 

A Few Things to Note

Why no specific ratios? I don't give specific ratios for the beans to alcohol because you really don't need any. I used about eight beans for a 16 oz. bottle but you could use more or less. The more you have in a bottle, the less time it will take. 

How to keep your vanilla extract going? You have two options: First, when your alcohol has turned brown from steeping in the bottle with the vanilla beans, you can pour out the extract and start over with the same beans (I would probably only do this once, maybe twice). Second, you can simply add more alcohol as you use up the vanilla extract, thus making your own "perpetual" vanilla extract. Just make sure you keep the beans covered, because they will mold otherwise. I prefer the second method, just because that way I never run out! Though I will use the first if I want to give my extract as gifts. 

Once you start making your own vanilla extract, you will wonder why you haven't been doing this your whole life. It's so simple, and you will save a lot of money. Plus, if you keep it going perpetually like I do, you'll never run out!

What is your favorite thing to make that uses vanilla extract?

Like what you read? Be sure and follow LittleOwlCrunchyMomma on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google+

(Note: This post might contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you shop around after clicking on them, you might be helping to support my blogging endeavors. Thank you!)
This post shared at: Natural Living Monday, Thank Goodness It's Monday, Homestead Barn Hop, Mix it Up Monday!, Busy Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Mouthwatering Mondays, Sweet Sharing Monday, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Show Me What You Got, Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Create Link Inspire, One Project at a Time, Fat Tuesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Allergy Free Wednesday, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Home-Making Link-Up, Wellness Wednesday, Real-Food Wednesdays, Party Wave Wednesday, Works for Me Wednesday, Penny Pinching Party, The Mommy Club, Simple Lives Thursday, Tickled Pink, Tasty Traditions, Full Plate Thursday, The Project Stash, Pennywise Platter, Simple Meals Friday, Healing With Food Friday, Natural Family Friday, Unprocessed Fridays, Foodtastic Friday, Party Brunch Link Party, Fight Back Friday , Friday Favs, Link Party Palooza, Little House Friday DIY Linky, From the Farm Friday, Get Real Link Party Fridays, Strut Your Stuff, Savoring Saturdays, Simple Saturday