I know it’s been a while since I have shared a Tutorial Tuesday post with you guys, but it’s been a busy few weeks. So, I thought an easy, no frills tutorial would be perfect. No need for step-by-step photos on this one, just one quick step and then we wait.
Making homemade vanilla extract is so easy. You literally need just two ingredients, alcohol and vanilla beans and just a few minutes of prep time. You do need a little patience while the flavor of the vanilla beans is extracted, which takes several weeks. But, it is all more than worth it when you end up with the tastiest, most incredible flavor – perfect for all of your baking needs. Plus, this delicious homemade vanilla extract makes an amazing thoughtful gift.
To start, for a standard vanilla extract, I recommend an inexpensive vodka, at least 70 proof. Cheaper, many times, is better since there are no distinguishing flavors from the vodka, as it can be with a pricer spirit, which can interfere with the vanilla flavor. If you are sensitive to certain grain-based vodkas, I do recommend selecting a certified gluten-free vodka, I like and use Tito’s.
The recommended ratio of vanilla beans to vodka that I have found works best is 1 quart vodka to 1/4 pound of dry vanilla beans. This makes things very easy as I divide this amount among four 8-ounce containers, and it’s very easy to divide the 1/4 pound of beans amongst them. Simple, no crazy math, no crazy precise measuring.
For quality of beans, I suggest 100% certified organic grade 1 extract vanilla beans. These are usually drier than normal vanilla beans, so they have lower moisture content. Oftentimes they aren’t the prettiest or most perfect beans and they may be broken or have splits, but because of this they are usually much cheaper than regular whole vanilla beans and they are perfect for making homemade vanilla extract with. I buy mine from here.
With a decent quality vodka and organic extract grade vanilla beans, each of my 8 ounce jars tend to run me less than $10, this can be made even cheaper with a less expensive vodka. Either way, this is still cheaper then most organic vanilla extracts you buy at the store and you can be sure that it is not only the highest quality and most tasty vanilla extract you’ll ever have, but you can rest easy knowing there are no extra additives and it’s 100% gluten-free!
NOTES:
- For fun flavor variations try your favorite bourbon, rum or brandy instead of vodka.
- For an alcohol-free vanilla extract use vegetable glycerine instead of alcohol.
- Play with various vanilla beans, you can try Tahitian, Madagascar, Mexican and more – each type of bean has it’s own subtle flavor profile. If I cannot get my hands on 100% certified organic extract vanilla beans, I personally find Madagascar Vanilla Beans to be the best for homemade extract and you get the most bang for your buck!
- Buy your beans in bulk, organic whole vanilla beans at the store can run upwards of $9.99 for bean or two. Look on eBay, Amazon, bulk herb retailers, etc.
- You can also make one large batch of vanilla extract at once, in a one-quart container, then simply strain the vanilla beans out and divide the extract amongst the containers after it is ready.
BONUS – PRINTABLE LABELS:
Download a customizable version of these labels to print at home to give your homemade vanilla extract an extra-special personal touch! Go to URL to grab your printable PDF. Simply write your name in under “by:”, fill in the size of your bottle and the date it should be enjoyed by. That’s it. DOWNLOAD HERE.
Print these 2.5-inch diameter labels on any Avery brand 22808 template. I used these brown kraft paper labels.
Original article and pictures take tasty-yummies.com site
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