Vanilla Extract after 2 weeks
This past week, my grocery list looked a little like this.
Yes, that does say a half gallon of vodka.
What did I need a half gallon of vodka for? I threw a huge shin-dig!!
JUST KIDDING!!
Remember a couple weeks back when I mentioned the deal on vanilla beans? Well, they arrived just a couple of days later - and I was honestly really excited! Making my own vanilla extract is something that I have been wanting to do for a while now. Not only is it more flavorful than what you buy in the store, it is also more economical.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 gallon of vodka (1.75 Liters)
- 40 Vanilla Beans
- a half gallon container (I used an empty orange juice bottle that I cleaned)
I made a little label out of plain, white paper & taped it onto mine to try & make it a little prettier.
Using the tip of a knife, split the vanilla beans in half, exposing the middles - but leaving the ends attached so that they aren't completely separated.
Place the vanilla beans into your empty container, & cover with the vodka.
Seal the container. I used a layer of plastic wrap under the screw on cap just to be sure it was sealed well.
Store in a cool, dark place for 6 months, shaking about every week.
After the 6 months, you can strain the mixture, & use the vanilla beans to make another batch too!
Final Cost Breakdown
Vanilla Beans - $22 for 54
(with 14 left over for another use)
Half Gallon of Vodka - $12
Total: $34 for one half gallon of vanilla extract
(actually cheaper than that since not all the vanilla beans were used for this!)
