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Vanilla Extract

I like making my own vanilla.  Real vanilla extract is expensive in the store, and I can make my own with ease and I happen to love the taste.  The hardest part is finding a good vanilla bean and I can make that easy for you, too.  Order your vanilla beans from Penzey's!  (not an affiliate link)



Homemade Vanilla Extract

Clean bottles that hold 8 oz of liquids
vodka, enough for each bottle
vanilla bean, 1-2 per 8 oz of vodka

Make sure your bottles are clean and dry.  Pour the vodka into your bottles.  Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and drop into the bottle.  Let the vodka and vanilla bean sit together for 3-6 weeks. Strain the liquid and rebottle before gifting.

Use the vanilla the same way you would use store bought vanilla.

I use all precautions and store this vanilla in the refrigerator.  Since there are no preservatives, I want to place it in a safe spot.  This is the super delicious vanilla I use in my Warm Vanilla Drink.



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  1. This is interesting indeed. I love to see persons being so innovative especially as it relates to their finances and health...good job

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  2. Oooooh - I really love vanilla. I am curious about making it myself. Is it really better than the ones from the stores? How would you compare it? Might have to try it for myself ... what a yummy thing to do!

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    1. It is a bit weaker at the beginning. As it continues to sit, it is getting stronger. It smells very good. You cannot taste the vodka at all.

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  3. It is great that you like making your own vanilla extract and many thanks for the recipe. Like you said it makes a difference in price!

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  4. Wow! I've never tried this before and you make it sound so easy. I love vanilla in EVERYTHING! And I love that there are no preservatives.

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  5. How cool. I didn't know you could make your own vanilla. I am so making some as I bake a lot.

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  6. I have never heard of anyone making their own vanilla extract but the recipe you provided sounds easy and delicious! I will definitely try this since vanilla extract can be a little pricey.

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  7. I had no idea you could make your own vanilla. I won't have guessed it to be cheaper, it's really hard to find vanilla beans here! I so want to try this!

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  8. I love making homemade vanilla. I allow mine to age much longer though as I like a strong vanilla flavor in my extract. There is no need to store it in the fridge because of the alcohol. It works as a natural preservative. :)

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  9. I love learning how to make things I use in my baking and vanilla extract is one of the things I use most. I had no idea it would be so easy to do.

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  10. oo I didn't know I could make your own, this would be fantastic for me as a baker and I like the idea of making it myself

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  11. This is a really cool idea! I love making my own foods and ingredients to avoid the preservatives. I may have to try this out asap.

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  12. This is fabulous. I have always wanted to make my own. I use it so often and run out of it all the time, so this is a much better option. Plus, isn't making your own just better all around? I think so! - Jeanine

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  13. Oh that's cool! It sounds really easy too. A good way to flavor a grown up coffee.

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  14. I LOVE THIS! Homemade vanilla is great. I'm a bit of a vanilla hoarder... Mexican vanilla, 2 different kinds of homemade, pure, imitation... I have it all. Homemade has a great taste and smell, so much better then any store not processed kind. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. Thank you so much for the recipe! I've always wanted to make a ton of vanilla for Christmas presents but figured it would be way too hard!

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  16. This sounds super yum, and I am bookmarking to try this later! I have never tried making this before, but you make it sound pretty easy! I also agree that it would be good in coffee!

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  17. As a military wife who could barely handle her busy schedule I am truly glad I came across your tips about making your own vanilla. I will be utilizing this as soon as possible and will definitely try it out! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  18. Hmm this sounds great and pretty easy! How long is a good time to let it sit for a good strength?

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  19. I never even knew you could make your own vanilla! What a great idea. I'm going to try this for sure.

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  20. This is wonderful! I love using fresh vanilla extract in recipes but you're right it's expensive. I will definitely have to try my hand at this!

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  21. This is so awesome that you can make something like this at home. We use it in so many things.

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  22. I love vanilla, and these seems so straight forward to do! Its great to be able to make your own flavourings :)

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  23. Misty Nelson Dawn4:32 AM

    I love learning make new recipe. I love vanilla and I an't wait to try this on my own. Glad you share this with us.

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  24. I had no idea you could make vanilla extract yourself, or that it was so easy to do! Great post, lady!! :)

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  25. I didn't know you could make your own vanilla. Wow, this is something I want to check out! Amber N

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  26. This is one of my favorite things to make! Actually anything that I can make on my own I try to, it always is so much better.

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  27. I had no idea that you could make this on your own, or that you'd use vodka for it. What a cool recipe!

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  28. I had no idea you can create handmade vanilla! I love using a few drops in my oatmeal and I think it's a great idea to try DIYing it! thanks for the idea!

    http://stylesprinter.com/

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