How To Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Have you ever made homemade vanilla extract?

It is actually quite easy (and delicious!)  You can put it in all kinds of things:  baked goods but also smoothies (tastes good with coconut),  savory dishes, or even drinks like coffee or eggnog.

It is pretty simple- basically, all you do is:

1) Purchase vanilla beans (more on that in a second).

2) Cut them in half, if needed.

3) Put the beans into an alcohol of your choice- vodka or rum are two favorites. 3-4 oz of beans per fifth of alcohol is pretty common, though you can make it more or less strong.

4) Steep for a couple of months (or more), shaking the jar when you remember.

5) Strain, and enjoy. 

Now generally, vanilla beans are quite pricey, but a great source is the Vanilla Bean Co-op: https://www.facebook.com/groups/848812811970139 .  Sara Fifield Anderson purchases them in bulk from all over the world-- in a range of flavors and price-points-- and then re-sells them in smaller quantities through her co-op. 

I have ordered from her twice and had a great experience both times. 

Her group is a great way to learn everything you ever wanted to know (and more!) about vanilla.  They are very helpful and share a lot of recipes as well.

Happy vanilla making!