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2 Little Hooligans

Homemade Vanilla Extract

In one weeks worth of time I purchased 2 one-ounce bottles of vanilla extract and spent almost $10 for the both of them. I don’t know about you, but I thought that was crazy expensive! Then I remembered reading about making your own homemade vanilla extract a few times and figured now was the perfect time to give it a try. After a quick search I found a ton of recipes for homemade vanilla extract. I ended up using this recipe here. Who knew all you needed was some whole vanilla beans and vodka? Crazy! Why haven’t I been making our own vanilla extract sooner? So I quickly purchased some whole vanilla beans from Amazon and paid about $24 for 20 vanilla beans. Then I purchased a big ole bottle of vodka for about $10.  Apparently the ratio you want is 5 whole vanilla beans per 1 cup of vodka. So for 4 cups of homemade vanilla extract I spent $34 and still have enough vodka left to make another batch. It doesn’t take a mathematician to figure out that that is a whole lot of savings. Plus, I’m pretty sure like anything homemade…it is way better. Anything with that much vodka has to be good right?! The hardest part about making your own vanilla extract is waiting the 8 weeks before you can start using it. Every few days I just give the jar a little shake…and a smell. It smells super yummo by the way! One of these days I just might take a swig. Any of you make your own vanilla extract?

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Comments

  1. I have a bottle ‘brewing’ in my cabinet right now. It has been in there forever, so I’m sure it is ready. I have to ask – what are you using so much vanilla for? Inquiring minds want to know! : )

  2. I’m de-lurking to say, I’ve made my own for the last 6-7 years now, and it’s especially helpful at Christmas time, 1. for the insane amount of cookies I bake, but also if I need a small gift on the quick-fast, I can just put some in a small jar with a fresh bean, and some pretty ribbon.

    I suggest checking out eBay. You can buy organic vanilla beans for much cheaper than that. I’ve bought over a pound for less than $20, and I’ve never had a problem and the quality as been great.

  3. I’ve got my first batch in the pantry right now! It’s been going for a month now and darkening up. I’m excited to try it out soon!

  6. Oh, I’m so going to do this now. I’ve only ever bought Vanilla beans at Penzy’s and for all my Amazon shopping… never thought to look there. What a price difference. It totally makes it worth my while now. Gonna check Ebay too. It’s such a good idea to make it for presents too like the other lady said. Totally gonna do that!! I’m so glad you posted this. I think I’ve thought to make my own vanilla probably several times over the last year or so. Now, I actually will.