Homemade Vanilla Extract Recipes

Steps:

• Place vanilla beans in a tall jar; cover with vodka. Seal jar tightly. Let stand in a cool dark place at least 6 weeks, gently shaking jar once a week.

Steps:

• Split the vanilla beans lengthwise, leaving them attached at one end. Place them in a 10- to 12-ounce bottle and cover with the liquor. Put on the top and shake vigorously. Store at room temperature for 4 weeks to let the flavor develop and mature, shaking the bottle once a week. The extract will keep at room temperature in a dark place (like your cabinet) for up to 6 months.

Steps:

• Combine the vanilla beans and vodka in a jar tall enough to hold the vanilla beans. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least a month until the vodka becomes vanilla extract and the beans are soft enough to cut the end and squeeze the seeds out. Add more vanilla or beans, as needed. The extract can sit at room temperature indefinitely.

Steps:

• Fill a quart mason jar with vanilla beans standing on end. Top up with brandy to cover the beans and seal. Let it sit for a month before using to allow the vanilla to permeate the brandy. Top up with fresh beans and brandy from time to time.

Steps:

• Place the vanilla beans in the bottle of vodka and seal. Store in a cool, dark area such as a kitchen cabinet for 3 weeks, shaking the bottle every week. Three weeks is the minimum, store it 6 months for the best flavor. After using, replace with more vodka. The same beans will continue to flavor the vanilla for up to a year.

Steps:

• Roughly chop 4 scraped vanilla pods and pack into a smallish jar or bottle. Fill with alcohol, about 40% proof (I used 100ml white rum to four pods; vodka would also be good), and seal well. Shake daily. The extract is strong enough to use after just one week, but will benefit from a month of steeping. Store in a cool, dark place.

Steps:

• Place vanilla beans in a clean jar with lid. Pour vodka over beans, and place lid on jar. Allow to sit in a cool dark place for 3 to 5 months, shaking jar occasionally.