I have been making my own vanilla extract for quite a while! Just two basic ingredients, alcohol and vanilla beans!
Split the beans with a sharp knife, opening up the fragrant seeds, place in a jar, add a type of alcohol, I used vodka, gently shake, store in a cool dark place for at least a month.
Mine had been brewing for several months in my pantry! I would stop by to say "hi" and give it a gentle shake every week or so, just to let it know I had not forgotten it!~smile~
Today, I decided it had brewed long enough, it was now ready to be poured in a clean bottle. I found this little bottle at TJ Max, very reasonable. Using a small funnel, I poured it in the bottle.
This extract is so amazing, so fragrant, it can be used in cooking, baking, anything calling for vanilla,
I took the remaining vanilla extract, added more vanilla beans, (split), and vodka, placed the jar in the pantry to brew, probably a few months, just in time for Christmas gift giving, ~wink~ I bought these cute bottles at TJ Max also, very reasonable too!
I hope you are inspired to make your own natural vanilla extract! You can also make other natural extracts, lemon, orange, almond, (which are next on my list!) All great for Christmas gift baskets, along with other goodies,so let's get those extract brewing!
That's all from the farmhouse for now, have a blessed week!
Love,
Sue
I am linking with Stephanie at Roses of Inspiration, thank you for hosting Stephanie,