I use alot of vanilla.
Really, really good vanilla is not cheap. I've been buying watkins vanilla for years.
I decided to make my own! And the results were great! :)
Here's what you need to make homemade vanilla.
- An air-tight glass jar/container.
- One cup of 80 proof vodka
- 3 vanilla beans. (The link takes you to the beans I buy off of amazon. Great bang for the buck!)
How to make the vanilla
1. Pour vodka into jar/container.
2. Slice vanilla beans open lengthwise.
3. Place beans in vodka, screw on lid tightly, and leave in a dark, room temperature place for 1 month minimum. Maybe give it a shake every once in a while.
After a month you can use the vanilla as you would normally. You can see below the vanilla I made with vodka has a nice caramel color to it. This is about 2 cups worth of vodka because, like I said, I use alot of vanilla. Below it, is a 1 cup version I made with some bourbon I had on hand, much darker. And it is amazing! The bourbon vanilla is one that is best used for non-baking recipes to really appreciate the flavor, like whipped cream, puddings, etc. Or even a little in a hot tottie :)
Vodka Vanilla |
Bourbon Vanilla |