Homemade Vanilla Extract.

[Big Daddy's House]

Has anyone ever tried this?

All you need is some vodka and some vanilla beans.

Place the vodka in a glass container or small caraff that has a tight-fitting lid, place several vanilla beans - pods and all, that have been split length-wise into the vodka.

Let it sit in a cool place for about a month, shaking the container once in a while and watch the vodka start to darken.

Just like the actual vanilla extract that you buy in the store!! Tastes just like it! Hard to tell the difference.

I did it just before Christmas, and it's now looks nice and dark!:cool:

[mcnerd]

Also good using whiskey or rum.

[Big Daddy's House]

Yeah!

[TheAutomaton]

I have never heard of this before, but I have vodka...now to find some vanilla beans.
Thanks for posting! I'll have to try this.

[Big Daddy's House]

You're welcome!

Williams Sonoma has the vanilla beans, but they are expensive.

They come 2 in a small glass vile for $8.50 each! I had to get 4 viles for the amount of extract that I wanted to make!

[mcnerd]

Much cheaper from eBay. Just pay attention to the place of origin of the beans.

[TheAutomaton]

Yes. They are quite expensive. I've seen them at my local H.E.B. in their "fancy what-nots" department. I believe they were about the same price for a couple in a glass jar. Yikes.

[Big Daddy's House]

You might be able to get them online.

Just Google the 2 words.

I had no luck with this, as there was a friggen problem trying to order them, so I didn't bother any more!

[Dough Boy]

Got it started tonight. Should be great stuff by Easter. Anyone else ever make the stuff at home?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/P1020253.jpg

[Big Daddy's House]

Way ahead of you, buddy.

Did it last Christmas. The stuff is STILL sitting on the rack.

I started a thread on it in this section somewhere.

Dag!! Looks like you used almost a whole bottle of vodka!

[Big Daddy's House]

My thread was in the Baking section. I moved it here somewhere. But I didn't have my pic posted there at the time. It was before I knew how to post it.

Anyway, here's mine and three stage pics that I pulled off the Internet.

[Dough Boy]

Very Cool! I can hardly wait for mine to mature. I put it on a shelf in the pantry where I can see it, to remind me to shake it weekly.

[Dough Boy]

Looks like you used almost a while bottle of vodka!
It was left from a party about 10 years ago. I don't like Vodka and my wife does not drink at all, so it's been sitting in the pantry all these years. I finally have a good use for it, although some would say that Absolut is a little pricey to make vanilla extract with. I didn't buy it, so I'm not worried about it.:D

[Big Daddy's House]

It was left from a party about 10 years ago. I don't like Vodka and my wife does not drink at all, so it's been sitting in the pantry all these years. I finally have a good use for it, although some would say that Absolut is a little pricey to make vanilla extract with. I didn't buy it, so I'm not worried about it.:D



Vodka is my favorite liquor. You could have sent it to me! Just kidding.

Yes Absolut Vodka IS very pricey to use for making vanilla extract. I used Shmirnoff Vodka - still a bit pricey. Grey Goose is good, but still expensive.
There's also Cossack Vodka, a cheaper brand and then the generic (well) brands.


You can also use rum to do it with.

[Big Daddy's House]

Very Cool! I can hardly wait for mine to mature. I put it on a shelf in the pantry where I can see it, to remind me to shake it weekly.



I was about to remind you to shake it up every so often. After a while, you won't be able to tell the difference between the store-bought stuff and what you made! It'll taste the same.

I still have a large bottle of the store-bought vanilla extract, so I haven't used the homemade one yet. It's been here almost a year!

And when it starts to go down a little bit after using some of it, just add some more vodka to it, enough to fill it back up.

You can also make some vanilla-flavored rum, which I haven't done yet. It'll perk up your drinks and make them taste very exotic-like!

[Whoopie Pie]

Got it started tonight. Should be great stuff by Easter. Anyone else ever make the stuff at home?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/P1020253.jpg

Yes I do! I have been making my own for a few years.

I use fairly cheap vodka and it works great, so when you make your next batch, you can get the cheap stuff!

I use 4 beans per cup, and usually start using it after a month and a half. I usually make a quart at a time and that lasts me about a year.

[Whoopie Pie]

Vodka is my favorite liquor. You could have sent it to me! Just kidding.

Yes Absolut Vodka IS very pricey to use for making vanilla extract. I used Shmirnoff Vodka - still a bit pricey. There's also Cossack Vodka, a cheaper brand and then the generic (well) brands.


You can also use rum to do it with.

You can use rum, but I prefer vodka for the cleaner vanilla flavor, the rum adds a more caramel flavor, which is good too, but sometimes I just want the pure vanilla flavor.

[Big Daddy's House]

I just wanted to try doing it, but it actually cost more than buying it in the store, I imagine, because of the amount made and the number of vanilla beans bought for it.

They're not cheap.

[Dough Boy]

I just wanted to try doing it, but it actually cost more than buying it in the store, I imagine, because of the amount made and the number of vanilla beans bought for it.

They're not cheap.
You could start growing orchids and hope to get some for yourself that way.:D:D Just kidding. Check around because the prices are all over the place on beans. If you know a couple interested people, you could split 1/4# and save a lot of money that way.

[Big Daddy's House]

They ARE availible on the Web, but the places that I tried to buy them from, they're all playing games! I just don't want to put up with that.

[Dough Boy]

I had to do a search to find this thread to do a 60-day update on my homemade vanilla extract. I have actually been using it for a couple of weeks because I ran out of extract a friend brought back from Mexico, but I'm letting it continue to age in the bottle for at least another 4-6 weeks before bottling it. Here are the comparison shots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/Vanilla%20Extract/P1020253-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/Vanilla%20Extract/P1020478-1.jpg

It has very nice fragrance and good flavor.

[Big Daddy's House]

Yes it is.

I'm going to make some vanilla-flavored vodka and rum just to have for drinks.

Not as strong as the vanilla extract that I made, because I want to still be able to taste the liquors in the drinks. Either vodka & Coke or rum & Coke.

[Semigourmet]

Good point BDH! But I would like to try it too. I don't use vanilla much but don't like the nasty taste I get from some of the so called Pure vanilla extracts. Can you post the recipe you used? I will probably just buy a little 1/2 pint of vodka that would make plenty for us.

[Big Daddy's House]

Thank you. I'll post it soon.

[Semigourmet]

Cool, now I'm all excited to get it started. LOL

[Big Daddy's House]

I just merged the two threads together to form one, and put it in the Baking section, since most people like to use vanilla extract when they bake, especially for cakes, pies & cookies.

I felt that there was no need for the two separate threads.

[sigmaskip]

This is great. I think I'll give it a try.

[Dough Boy]

Good point BDH! But I would like to try it too. I don't use vanilla much but don't like the nasty taste I get from some of the so called Pure vanilla extracts. Can you post the recipe you used? I will probably just buy a little 1/2 pint of vodka that would make plenty for us.

You really need to look at the ingredients on the labels of "Pure Vanilla Extract." Many have water, caramel color and corn syrup as part of their ingredients. One I saw in the store listed water as the first ingredient, which means it was the dominant ingredient.

For a definition and acceptable additives list, check out http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/Dictionary/V/Vanilla-Extract-5570.aspx

[Semigourmet]

You're right Doughboy!!

ICK!! I just looked at my PURE vanilla extract EEK!! First ingredient Water.... then cornsyrup????? EEK!!! Will be making my own.

[Big Daddy's House]

You're right Doughboy!!

ICK!! I just looked at my PURE vanilla extract EEK!! First ingredient Water.... then cornsyrup????? EEK!!! Will be making my own.



Yeah, that is purely false advertising, since they are calling it pure vanilla extract, but the chief ingredient water is added! :mad:

It will be more expensive, but at least you'll know that there is no water in it.
Just vodka or rum and vanilla beans split lengthwise. :)

[Semigourmet]

Is that truly what is in it? Just vanilla bean and the vodka or rum? And which is better in your opinions, Vodka or Rum??

Okay and if that is all that is in it. If I only get a small little like half pint, then how many vanilla beans would you say would be needed?

[Big Daddy's House]

Yes, but depending on which liquor that you think you'll like better.

I got a pint-size glass carafe from Crate & Barrel that comes with a tight-sealing glass lid, split about 5 vanilla beans in half lengthwise, put them all in the carafe and filled it with vodka.

I then let it sit and steep for about 6 to 8 weeks, and voila!! It's as dark as the stuff in the stores!

Actually, I bought TWO of those carafes. I think I remember seeing them in 1/2-pint sizes as well.

[Whoopie Pie]

I really like vodka, it allows the vanilla to shine, since vodka has no flavor of its own.

Rum has its own flavor, so vanilla will come out more carmely (is that a word?).

If you want true vanilla extract, use just vanilla beans and vodka. World Market/Cost Plus usually has a good price on vanilla beans, and they are usually nice and fresh, you can tell if they are fresh if they are nice and leathery and pliable, if they are hard and rattle around in a jar then they are old.

[Big Daddy's House]

Also, I fogot to mention that the container has to be gently shaken now & then, to help evenly distibute the vanilla bean flavor throughout the vodka until it has darkened enough for use.

And when you start to use some of it and you start to get a bit low, just add a bit more vodka to the mixture. I'll still taste the same.

[Semigourmet]

I really like vodka, it allows the vanilla to shine, since vodka has no flavor of its own.

Rum has its own flavor, so vanilla will come out more carmely (is that a word?).

If you want true vanilla extract, use just vanilla beans and vodka. World Market/Cost Plus usually has a good price on vanilla beans, and they are usually nice and fresh, you can tell if they are fresh if they are nice and leathery and pliable, if they are hard and rattle around in a jar then they are old.

Good to know. I wasn't sure about vanilla beans and weather they should be dry or leathery. now I know. thanks

[Semigourmet]

Also, I fogot to mention that the container has to be gently shaken now & then, to help evenly distibute the vanilla bean flavor throughout the vodka until it has darkened enough for use.

And when you start to use some of it and you start to get a bit low, just add a bit more vodka to the mixture. I'll still taste the same.

thanks BDH I will keep that in mind!

[Big Daddy's House]

You're welcome!

[CreekCorner]

That's a recipe that's worth trying out on mother n laws lol

[Semigourmet]

Well I put together the vanilla extract recipe here are just a couple pics of the the first couple of days. the first picture is of the first day, with just a few minutes of adding the Vanilla Beans, pictture 2 is of day two early in the day. And the third pic is later that same day two. the change is color is evident just in that short period of time.

[Big Daddy's House]

Oh yes, there IS a noted change in the color of the vodka! Good Job!!

What size is the comtainer? Looks rather small. But if it is 4 ounces, then that is the size of the bottles in the supermarkets.

[Semigourmet]

it is larger than any vanilla bottle I have gotten in any grocery store. it is about a 150 ML.

[malagasy_spice]

[Edited by moderator for soliciting]

[Compbrake]

Do you import spices ? And if you do I would like to see some prices.

[Big Daddy's House]

I still have a lot left in the jar!

Ran out of the store-bought stuff, so now I'm strictly using the homemade stuff. I probably won't have to make any more for a year or so!

[Big Daddy's House]

Hi,

I have a load of vanilla that I brought back (to the UK) from Madagascar.

Is anyone intersted in purchasing any?

Cheers,

Jack



Sorry, but you can't sell stuff through the board. It is solicitation if you do, which can get you banned.

[LuvsToCook]

I will also start making one but, don't have yet vanilla beans. I'll post my pics once I started
making one. :D

[Big Daddy's House]

Do you have something small enough to make it in?

[LuvsToCook]

I don't have any yet BDH, where can I purchase it? Thanks!

[Big Daddy's House]

Yes.

Go to Crate & Barrel. That's where I got mine.

[Dough Boy]

Here is a batch I bottled just before Christmas for gifts. The bottles came from Pat Catan's craft store. They were in a package of 6 for $2.58, or loose for $1 each.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/Vanilla%20Extract/P1020964.jpg

Since then I also made a batch of lemon extract and orange extract from the skin of the fruit. Be careful to not get any of the white part (pith) in your extract or it will get bitter. These came out very good, and were ready in 2 weeks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/Vanilla%20Extract/P1020971.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/Vanilla%20Extract/P1020969.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/flyfishohio/Food/Vanilla%20Extract/P1020968.jpg