I use vanilla extract nearly everyday when baking. It's as common in recipes as flour and sugar. In the past two years I've started experimenting with other,
gourmet vanilla extracts now and again. And I thought it would be fun to make my own-so I gave it a try!
(A few treats made with vanilla extract from our archives.)I read this tutorial from Ina Garten and decided that I wanted to cut the recipe down a bit as I wasn't sure how long it would take me to use quite that much extract. Fill a bottle with 4 ounces of vodka (feel free to use the cheap stuff for this recipe as it won't matter-we won't be drinking it!) and 1 vanilla bean split down the middle. Seal your bottle and let it soak for 2 months. Ta-da! Vanilla extract!
Now you might be thinking: Wait, I'm going to be putting vodka in my cupcake recipes? I'm not too comfortable with that idea. Don't worry-the alcohol burns out as the recipe bakes, leaving only the delicious taste of vanilla. And because extract is made with such a high content of alcohol it can be stored at room temp (and used) indefinitely. Happy baking! xo. emma and elsie
Such a fun idea - I totally want to try this now but I don't want to have to wait two months for it to be ready! ;)
Posted by: Carrie Rosalind | February 19, 2012 at 11:36 PM
i've had martha stewart's recipe bookmarked for months, and i have it saved as inspiration for christmas/birthday gifts this year. how sweet would it be to give this to the bakers in your life?
Posted by: karey | February 19, 2012 at 11:36 PM
this is brilliant. vanilla is so expensive. thanks for an alternative.
Posted by: Mindy Harris | February 19, 2012 at 11:45 PM
Wow! I never knew that you could do this! Thanks so much for sharing:)
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | February 20, 2012 at 12:05 AM
Yes! Finally a way to make this stuff! I am constantly baking, which means I am constantly running out of vanilla extract, so this is a blessing! thank you!
Posted by: Madeleine | February 20, 2012 at 12:11 AM
How interesting. I never knew it was made with vodka. Thanks for sharing this.
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Shannon | February 20, 2012 at 12:18 AM
oooo! awesome! i'm totally going to do this! thanks!
Posted by: Courtney | February 20, 2012 at 12:35 AM
Vanilla is my number one favourite flavour! This is a great idea as the good stuff is so expensive!
Posted by: Hannah @ Sparrow + Spark! | February 20, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Those iced buns look delicious! Thanks for this post, Maggie xx
http://prettyflowersinthewindow.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Maggie Moore | February 20, 2012 at 12:59 AM
Haha, the vodka was rather unexpected! Is it possible to use the same idea when making other extracts such as peppermint?
Rachx
Posted by: Rachael | February 20, 2012 at 01:03 AM
Hi! I've been doing this for over 2 years and it always turns out perfect! If you put them in nice bottles you could give them out as favours at a party.
Alice Barton ♥ The Mow Way
Posted by: Alice Barton | February 20, 2012 at 01:06 AM
I do this too and put it in small jars to give as Christmas gifts. Also, for anyone thinking about doing this, Amazon is a great place to get vanilla beans for a lot less than what you'd find in a grocery store.
Posted by: Jordan | February 20, 2012 at 01:33 AM
Wow! Thats so simple!
haha! I use vanilla extract all the time when i'm baking! I just loveee the smell http://www.gingerandlace.blogspot.com
Posted by: Steph | February 20, 2012 at 01:44 AM
Really awesome, I love the taste, the smell, the color of vanilla... I will try this soon, for sure!
Posted by: Erika | February 20, 2012 at 02:03 AM
Wow. It looks so delicious! I really want to have a taste!
Posted by: junior bridesmaid dresses | February 20, 2012 at 02:13 AM
You made this from vodka???? Awesome!
Posted by: Margherita | February 20, 2012 at 03:04 AM
Such a good idea - Ina never fails me!
Grace x
http://gracenoteblog.blogspot.com
Posted by: Grace | February 20, 2012 at 03:35 AM
I started making my own vanilla extract a while ago as it is so hard to get here in Germany and if you can get it, it is soooo expensive.
I use it in all my recipes and love it.
I made about 2 cups and refill it with vodka when about 1/4 is gone and maybe change out some of the vanilla beans every once in a while or throw in a scraped out one - endless vanilla extract. =)
Posted by: eeny | February 20, 2012 at 04:23 AM
I was a little shocked at the vodka, but this is really neat! Thanks for sharing :)
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | February 20, 2012 at 04:35 AM
Thank you, this is brilliant! So simple, I'd never considered how simple it might be to make! I'm off to make some now! xx
annieshomemadeheaven.blogspot.com
Posted by: Annie | February 20, 2012 at 05:40 AM