Update 9/2010: Rum is even better than Vodka in this recipe and costs the same.
Vanilla Orchid photo Courtesy of www.natureproducts.net
Real Vanilla extract is one of those expensive things (like butter) that I won’t compromise on. While store bought vanilla is outrageously expensive, real vanilla extract is easy to make and fairly inexpensive. It only requires 2 ingredients , Vodka and vanilla beans, and 6 weeks of time. I buy the cheapest vodka I can get from Wal-mart. The largest bottle lasted me 5 years and I used it for everything from cleaning wounds to countertops. It’s not for drinking! I bought my vanilla beans for a steal off E-bay and was very happy. Tip: Don’t freeze them! Vanilla beans are the expensive part of the recipe so shop around a lot before you buy.
Directions: Cut 4 vanilla beans into 1″ lengths. Split open to release the seeds. Put all of the pieces and seeds into a glass quart jar. Fill with vodka and seal tightly. Shake well. Place out of direct sunlight and shake several times a day. 6 weeks later strain and bottle into cute bottles. Oil decanters from Old Time Pottery have caught my eye and look like they would work well. Currently I’m using a recycled sparkling grape juice bottle.
This would make an excellent gift for Christmas, but you need to start NOW!
Your never ending ideas always amaze me. Is store-bought vanilla made with vodka? What happens to the alcohol?
Homemade Vanilla is made with grain alcohol like Vodka, but I’m not sure it is vodka specifically. Some of the alcohol cooks out, unless you put it in after taking stuff off the heat. Since we only put a teaspoon or 2 in a recipe that makes many servings we usually don’t worry about it. But there are glycerin vanilla extracts available at the healthfood store that are alcohol free. I wish I knew how to do THAT at home :).