Even though we are just about two months away from Christmas, I have been dreaming about the most wonderful time of the year for months. I've always loved the time of year we can come together as family and friends to celebrate the birth of our Savior and enjoy traditions - old and new. Ever since getting married, this season has only become more special as we start our own family traditions and get to experience the holidays through Logan's eyes.
I love giving thoughtful and useful gifts to friends and family, but it can be tricky to find something that is a valuable, economical, and good for a wide variety of people. Last year I had the idea to try my hand at making homemade vanilla extract, and it turned out great! It worked out so well I decided to repeat the process again this year. I did a lot of research and after a few tweaks I found a method I am very happy with.
I start brewing my vanilla extract toward the end of summer so it is ready and waiting well before Christmas comes, giving it plenty of time to cure and extract the rich aromatic flavor you love about vanilla extract. If you're reading this and want to give this as a gift this year, have no fear! There is a method for making vanilla that doesn't require time to cure before gifting. I have listed both methods below - so choose whatever works for you! Either way it will take you no more than ten minutes, and you will probably never buy store bought vanilla again!
There are many different varieties of vanilla beans to choose from (I purchase my beans here), each with their own nuances of flavor. I have used Mexican, Madagascar and Tahitian beans and prefer Tahitian above the rest. It has a smoother and sweeter taste to it, and it has yielded my favorite batch. Feel free to test out whichever kind you like! Also, vanilla beans come in various 'grades.' Grade B is typically slightly less expensive and a bit more dried out, but works perfect for extracting flavor because the alcohol soaking process rehydrates the bean and helps it yield its best flavor.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
+ 16 oz. Vodka ( you can also use Bourbon if you care to)
+ 10 whole vanilla beans
+ Large glass jar - able to be sealed when beans are placed upright inside.(pick based on the size batch you are making)
+ 8, 2 oz amber glass bottles (I like these!). Sterilized before use.
+ Stick on kraft paper labels
+ FREE Vanilla Extract Label Printable
INSTRUCTIONS:
The Do Ahead Method:
I. At least eight weeks before you want to gift your vanilla, gather your supplies. Using a sharp knife, make a cut down the length of the bean, only cutting through one side. Stop your blade before you slice the bean in half. Kind of like slicing open a green bean to remove the pods, but still keeping it intact. Use your hands to open the beans a bit to expose the seeds underneath.
II. Once you have done this to all the beans, place them in your brewing jar. Pour in the alcohol over top the beans. If you want to make more than 16 oz, the rule is to use 5 vanilla beans to every 8 oz of alcohol. I used an older 64 oz vodka bottle to brew a 32 oz batch and it worked great!
III. Seal your jar with the lid and give it a hearty shake.
IV. Store in a cool, dark place. Shake once a week until your brewing time is up.
V. Using a funnel, pour the vanilla into your 2 oz bottles, and seal with lids.
** Some people opt to strain their vanilla beans out. If you want to do this use a cheesecloth to strain the extract before funneling it into the bottles. I love the small flecks of seeds and the texture and flavor they add, so I skip this step.
VI. Label bottles. You can make the presentation a bit more festive by adding ribbons around the bottle neck if you'd like.
If You're In A Pinch Method:
I. Using a sharp knife, make a cut down the length of the bean, only cutting through one side. Stop your blade before you slice the bean in half. Kind of like slicing open a green bean to remove the pods, but still keeping it intact. Use your hands to open the beans a bit to expose the seeds underneath.
II. Cut your beans into pieces tall enough to fit in your amber bottles while still allowing the lid to close. Place the pieces of one and a quarter beans in each bottle. Fill with vodka and seal with lids.
III. Shake each bottle well. Place labels on bottles and decorate as desired.
IV. When you gift your bottles, include instructions of when the vanilla will be ready (eight weeks from the date you assemble them), to store the vanilla in a cool dry place, and for it to be shaken weekly.
This method will work just as well, but it shifts the curing time from your end to theirs. Either way, it is such a great gift, your friends and family will be thrilled to receive.
XO, B
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