Homemade Vanilla Extract

There is something so special about a bottle of homemade vanilla extract that you can tuck into your pantry.  It feels warm, inviting and old-fashioned in the best way.

This simple project for making homemade vanilla extract is really super easy and only takes a few ingredients.

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Every bit of patience pays off season after season in your baked goods, holiday gifting and just adding a little extra joy in your kitchen.

VIDEO: Making Vanilla Extract

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Ingredients You'll Need

• Vanilla beans - the more the merrier
• Vodka (or gin/another neutral alcohol)
• Clean mason jars
• Amber glass jars (for storing finished extract)
• Parchment Paper
• Jar lids and rings
• Scissors or a small knife

How to Make Vanilla Extract

Start by making sure your mason jars, lids and rims are nice and clean.  

Take vanilla beans cut off the ends.  You can also slice them down the middle to expose the seeds and even cut them into 1/2 - 1" pieces.  Place beans in the jar.

We use an inexpensive Vodka.  You can get a more expensive one, but remember, you are using this for baking and the alcohol itself will bake out almost entirely.

Pour vodka over the beans until they are completely submerged.

Place a small square of parchment over the jar before adding the lid and ring.  This will prevent rust from forming and getting into the extract over time.

Tighten the lids and note the color.  It will start out clear and slowly deepen into a rich brown.

Place jars in a cool, dark place and allow them to infuse for several months even up to a year.  Shake them regularly to encourage even more extraction.

When your extract is 4-6 months oldy, pour it into amber bottles for long-term storage and for gifting.

Making homemade vanilla is so simple and incredibly rewarding.  With just a few ingredients, you'll be adding it to your homestead pantry and gifting it to all your friends and family.

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