How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
SBA Fam!
What do pumpkin spice lattes, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, Italian sodas, homemade apple butter, cheesecake, cider, syrup, buttercream icing, french toast, ice cream, greek yogurt, tea, custard, mousse, cake, and creamer all have in common? Sure, they're all sugary sweet, and delicious, but there's one specific thing these all share... VANILLA EXTRACT. All of these are or can be made with vanilla extract!
As you can see and already know, vanilla extract is a culinary staple, and for good reason! You may already be familiar with our homemade vanilla bean syrup, but this time, we wanted to show you how to make an extract that is so good, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make.
No, yucky chemicals, artificial ingredients, or questionable ingredients in this syrup, unlike store-bought syrups that often contain Beaver anal gland. Yeah, no thanks!
Below is the recipe + a video from our Chelsea walking us through this recipe:
Ingredients and Supplies:
-Whole vanilla bean pods
-80% proof vodka
-Airtight jars/vessel
Directions:
1. split vanilla beans down the middle.
2. Put in jar and cover with 80% proof vodka.
3. Wait at least two months and voila!
Pro Tip:
-Use 3 vanilla beans (1/4 ounce in weight) for 4 ounces.
I know, it really is soooo easy! I promise you, you won't want to use any other kind of vanilla in your recipes after making this! Also, vanilla beans can be expensive, but you'll save money if you buy the whole pods and make your own extract vs. buying this quality of vanilla extract at the store. Again, once you taste the difference, it will probably end up being worth the extra cost.
Here to help,
Brier C. & Chelsea Henderson (Founder and Herbalist)