Vanilla

We have all heard that the Vanilla that can be purchased in Mexico is the BEST. I am here to argue that not so much. A friend turned me on to making my own and not only is it MUCH cheaper (no airfare required) it is simply beautiful and the taste is amazing! Oh and did I mention how easy it is? It is a little time consuming as it has to sit before it is ready to use but it is worth it. We go through it fast enough that as soon as I start pour off a batch that is ready. I start a new one. It works well for us. You can use it in baking or anywhere else you can imagine. We love it in our refrigerator oatmeal. I have found that the best place to get my vanilla beans is from Amazon you want the Madagascar beans they are 25 beans for $19.99.

The items you will need to make your extract is:

• CHEAP Vodka
• Vanilla Beans
• Jar with lid

 

Next you will need a cutting board and knife. I have found different methods for what to do with the beans. I cut mine in half and then split them down the middle. Doing as much of the work over the jar as possible so that any of the paste from the inside of the bean goes into the jar. Other methods suggest cutting the beans into 2 inch pieces.  Either way will work.

Once the beans are in the jar all you have to do is fill it with Vodka and put on a lid.

Once you have it put together you just need to store it in a dark cabinet and take it out at least once a week but can also once a day take it out and shake it. In about a month you will have a beautiful batch of Vanilla Extract to use in your baking. 

Again here is another area where people vary on how to use it. I like mine to be clean and so I put it through an old pillow case in a Sieve and then put it into a bottle for use. Other people like the particles that float in it and leave it be and use it that way. 

Once you try this you will never pay the high price at the grocery store, or which for that ticket to Mexico just to get your Vanilla.