Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract

I don't know if I can express to you my utter joy and excitement when I realized what I wanted to make for Christmas presents this year. I'm a huge fan of homemade gifts and have been mulling over homemade cocoa mixes, stamped card sets, etc. Suddenly, like a deer in the headlights, my eyes lit up and I thought of what I wanted to do-- Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract.

I set my sight on purchasing vanilla beans wholesale. Who else is frustrated at the price of vanilla beans in store? Two for $7.99? SERIOUSLY? Shoot me now. I mean, with prices like that, saffron won't any longer be the most expensive spice.

I did a little research and found a site called Amadeus Vanilla Beans. I searched their site and almost keeled over in my chair when I found the price for a pound of vanilla beans-- $45.99. GASP! Oh the humanity! Then I realized how many beans were in a pound-- over ONE HUNDRED vanilla beans. Oh my goodness.. is there ANY way I could NOT buy these guys?!

I placed my order for one pound of Tahitian Vanilla Beans.

I waited by the mailbox...

I eyed the postal worker suspiciously with a hint of hope when he drove up and dropped off the mail...

I waited...

FINALLY They came! My hours of waiting at the faux mailbox finally paid off when I opened it and saw a little box with my name on it!

I opened it up..and..

VANILLA BEANS!

Oh boy... I was giddy.

My next goal will be to find little glass jars with lids and some high quality vodka to finish my ingredient list for homemade vanilla bean extract. The process isn't hard but it is time consuming. Vanilla extract won't be ready overnight...in fact...it's best to let it cure for about 6 months.

SIX MONTHS?!!!

Yes. Six months! The bean needs time to settle into the vodka (alcohol) and release all the flavor. In all actuality, I've read that flavors get released within two months..but the longer you let it sit and marinate, the more potent your extract will be!

I have yet to test this recipe, but it's pretty straightforward how it works. Happy Extracting!

Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract

(Thanks to Stephen Block)

2 cups vodka (you can use brandy or rum)

6 vanilla beans

glass jars/vials with lids, sterilized (boil them for about 10 minutes to kill germs)

Pour the vodka into the jars/vials.

Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds out the bean. Place both the bean and the scraped seeds into the vodka. If the bean won't fit, cut it in half or thirds.

Shut the lid and shake vigorously. Some people recommend you shake it daily, others say shake it weekly. Either way, shake it up!! Keep it stored in a dark place.

Voila!

Not only would this make an excellent addition to your spice cabinet, but it would make an even better gift!! Oh the possibilities--lemon extract...hazelnut extract.... WEE!!!!

Have a fantastic day. I'm off to go enjoy my vanilla beans!!