Earlier this year I finally got the gusto to make some of my own homemade vanilla extract. Heavenly Homemakers has a wonderful how to post along with some amazing codes to get discounts on vanilla beans. My husband thought I was a little crazy when he came home and saw two half gallon jars full of beans and empty vodka bottles. But then I started to tell him how much vanilla extract is, how much I really use, and how it stores INDEFINITELY. If spending $60 to save HUNDREDS isn’t worth it, I don’t know how else to to sell it.
Fast forward to a month ago, when my husband and I were watching one of our beloved cooking channels. We watch all sorts of different shows but one episode about desserts in particular caught our eye. We watched how this bakery used a tequila vanilla extract in their devil’s food chocolate cookies. And just then our marriage ESP kicked in. At the same time we said, “We should TOTALLY do that with other liquors!”
Last Thursday, after our morning walk and trip to the park, my son and I headed out to the liquor store. It was 10:00 AM. That’s right, my (almost) two year old and I waltzed in to buy booze at 10AM on a Thursday. Oh and did I mention that I’m about five months pregnant too? Winning. We left with tequila, rum, and two different whiskeys.
After lunch and putting the little guy down for his nap I started my experiment. I cleaned out my little half pint jars not wanting to make too much in case things went south. I cut and split the beans and placed about 8-10 in each jar. Then I poured in the liquor, sealed the lids and presto! It was complete. All that was left was the hard part. The wait. It takes about four to six months before the vanilla is ready for use. However, these will be just perfect in time for the holidays. I’ll probably do a few test runs, and then bottle the rest for gifts for family and friends. I’ll definitely let you know how it turns out!
Vanilla Extract with a Twist
Author/Source:
Kelly @ onceamonthmeals.com adapted from Heavenly Homemakers
Ingredients:
- 250ml of liquor of your choice
- 8-10 Vanilla Beans
- 1/2 pint jar and lid
Directions:
Sterilize and dry your lid and jar. Split the vanilla beans and place 8-10 in the jar depending on the liquor (I put more in for the whiskeys). Place lid on tightly and store in a cool dry place for four to six months. After that time, open it up and enjoy in your favorite baking recipes, ice creams, cocktails, or whatever you choose!