Happy Extracting {Making Homemade Vanilla Extract}

Last summer, we purchased a small bottle of locally made vanilla extract from a friend of my sister’s who was selling her products at our local Famer’s Market. I popped it open as soon as I got home and the aroma was intoxicating; after the first time I cooked with it, I vowed never to use store-bought extract again.

After doing some research, I learned how simple it is to make extract at home and this past weekend that’s just what I did.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Ingredients: Vanilla Beans (any variety) and Vodka (or Bourbon, Rum or Brandy)
Ratio: 5 beans to 1-cup vodka

Directions:
CUT the vanilla beans lengthwise in half and put them into a glass container.
POUR in vodka, close the jar, and store in a cool, dry place.
SHAKE jar every week or so.
WAIT eight weeks or more, and then your extract will be ready to use.