Vanilla Extract

I have been making my own vanilla extract for quite a few years. It takes at least 6 months to complete the process. The batch I just bottled was begin in June. It is a simple process. The most important part is to buy the best whole vanilla beans you can find. You need about 10 or more to really make a good batch.

Cut the whole beans in half and place into a galloon glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Pour in a liter of pure vodka. It does not have to be the best, no top shelf needed. Put on the tight fitting lid. Place into a dark place (like the back of a cupboard or pantry). About once a month shake the jar.

After at the very least 6 months you can bottle the completed vanilla. Do not let the level of vodka fall below the beans (you don't want them to dry out). Vanilla extract is light sensitive so must be bottled into amber glass bottles.

I was able to pour off 12 small bottles plus the much larger bottle we keep in our cupboard for home use. This makes a lovely Christmas present which people are always so happy to receive.