Homemade Vanilla Extract
We're here to persuade you to give homemade vanilla extract a shot. If you're a fan of vanilla and prefer top-notch quality but flinch at the price tag, this recipe is tailor-made for you. Just two simple ingredients and a pinch of patience are all it takes. The end result is absolutely worth your time and initial investment.
Equipment
- 1 200ml glass bottle Or 250ml to allow some room for shaking.
- 1 pair of scissors or a sharp knife
- 1 funnel
Ingredients
- 15g whole vanilla pods Or approximately 5x plump vanilla pods (½ ounce)
- 200 millilitre vodka
Instructions
- First, ensure your bottles are clean and dry.
- Weigh out the required amount of vanilla pods you will need.15g whole vanilla pods
- Split each vanilla pod in half lengthwise with a pair of kitchen scissors or a sharp-tipped knife. If they're too long for the bottle, you can cut them in half crosswise too.You don't have to slice the pods all the way through, it's fine to leave one end intact for easier handling.
- Push the pods into the bottle.Ensure the pods are deep enough inside the bottle to be fully covered with the vodka once you add it. If they look too long, remove them and cut them shorter or fold them in half.
- Use a funnel or a jug to fill the bottle with vodka until the pods are completely covered. It's a good idea to leave some space at the top of the bottle to allow for shaking.200 millilitre vodka
- Seal the bottle tightly and shake it well.
- Store the extract in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cupboard. Give it a good shake once a week and let it mature for at least 4 months, ideally a year.
- When making multiple bottles or starting a rotation, it's a smart move to label each bottle with the date.
Nutrition
Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Fat: 11g
