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Homemade Vanilla Extract

Make your own pure vanilla extract at home with just two ingredients.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 oz. bottle
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 80 proof vodka you can also try bourbon, bandy, or rum
  • 6-8 vanilla beans

Equipment

  • 1 8 oz. bottle with tight lid

Method
 

  1. Using a sharp knife split the vanilla beans in half length wise.
  2. Place the beans in your bottle.
  3. Pour vodka (or alcohol of your choice) into the bottle making sure beans are fully submerged.
  4. Give the bottle a shake, and store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Give it a shake about once a week. Let beans steep for 6-12 months before using.
  5. As you use it, refill with vodka (or whichever alcohol you used). Give it a little shake and wait a week or two before using again.

Notes

  1. As you use the vanilla extract you can refill it.   You should be able to continue this refill process for a year or two (depending on how often you are using the extract).  After that time you will need to replace the beans.  It is best to let those beans steep for 6-12 months before using.
  2. I like having at least two bottles of vanilla extract on hand so that after refilling one with alcohol I can use the other.  I also try to have one on hand that is steeping, so I always have a fresh bottle.