Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

Vanilla, Vanilla, Vanilla!

Vanilla Creations

Pure Vanilla Extract provides an exquisite smooth rich flavor to our cakes, cookies, icing, etc. It is indispensable in the kitchen, and if you are a baker like me, this can become relatively expensive in a short span of time. Ever wonder why when you buy the pods at your local grocer, there are only 2 in a bottle, or why their extract comes in 1 to 2 Fl. Oz. You see, Vanilla flavor comes from vanilla pods cultivated from a species of orchids. Orchids! Who knew! The pods are hand-picked so this makes the harvesting process labor-intensive. The beans are then extracted from the pods to create Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean Paste, etc. Did you know there are three types of beans? Oh yes! They are as follows: Bourbon-Madagascar, Mexican and Tahitian. Bourbon-Madagascar pods are rich, sweet and is the thinnest of the three. Mexican vanilla beans have a smooth rich flavor. Tahitian vanilla beans are the thickest and darkest of the three, but while very aromatic, it is not as flavorful as the others.

Making your own Vanilla Extract – pure Vanilla Extract is quite easy and inexpensive which can be very beneficial in the long run. You can purchase the beans in bulk on Amazon for as little as $20.00 and combined with a bottle of Vodka, or 3/4 bottle of Vodka (and say 1/4 bottle of Rum (made of Cane Sugar): optional). The rum is to add a nice punch to your vanilla extract. Fill a canning jar with your pods and Vodka (enough to cover the pods). Let sit at room temperature in your pantry for 6 months untouched and voila! You’ve made your own vanilla extract and you can draw a little price tag on your bottle indicating how much it cost you to make it. Then see how long it lasts!

 

 

You can also make your own vanilla cane sugar by placing either unused pods in the sugar and let it infuse the sugar, or if you are using already used pods with the beans extracted from it, you do have to let it dry before placing it in the sugar.

As always, I hope you’ve found this informative and I encourage you to try it!

Sweetly, Julie.