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HomeSafeHome:  Make your own vanilla extract!  |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 23 2011 : 08:30:36 AM
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Have you ever seen the price of real vanilla extract and thought "Gosh that is SO expensive!" and settled for the imitation? Now you can make your own ladies! It's insanely easy, but you have to be patient. Here you go!
You will need:
1.75 L Vodka
4 Whole Vanilla Beans
You can use any size vodka, but this seemed more cost effective. I buy Gordon's brand. You do not need top shelf quality vodka for this process. Don't waste your money, you can't tell the difference in the end.
To make:
Cut the ends of the vanilla beans. Drop into vodka. Wait 6 months. Yep, you read that right, 6 months! Shake once a week or so. Don't worry if you forget, just shake when you remember. It is soooo worth the wait. I then pour into a smaller glass bottle that is easier to handle when I'm cooking. Viola! You have your own incredibly yummy, wonderfully smelling vanilla extract. It has taken me well over a year to use it all and I bake A LOT. As you use your big bottle of vanilla, you can add more vodka from a fresh bottle and it keeps replenishing your supply, so you never have to run out! Also, you can make your own lemon extract the same way, but substitute real lemon peel for the vanilla beans.
You can pour the vodka into smaller decorative jars and add only one vanilla bean. This makes very pretty presents for Christmas!
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
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Edited by - CurlysQuilts on Apr 23 2011 08:32:09 AM |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2011 : 08:58:11 AM
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Sarah~ While you are waiting the 6 months should you store it in a cabinet or can it sit on the counter? I am so excited to try this!
~ Elaine
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi
Farmgirl sister #2822
http://embchicken.blogspot.com
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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HealingTouch
True Blue Farmgirl
3448 Posts
Darlene
Kunkletown
Pa
USA
3448 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2011 : 4:31:40 PM
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I'm going to try it. Thanks for posting it. It will be ready just in time for the holidays!
Be Blessed,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
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CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2011 : 5:13:29 PM
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I've done this before and it is very good vanilla. I kept mine in a dark place because my bottle was clear. I figure store bought vanilla is in a brown bottle for a reason!
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2011 : 5:16:59 PM
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Elaine, on further consideration I am going to say that you should definitely store it in a cool dark place, just like any other cooking liquid. Just put it somewhere that you won't forget about it!
Alee, I think the time factor is a bit daunting when you first start out. I wavered back and forth for a couple of months before I took the plunge, but now I'll never go back! That and if your not used to buying alcohol, that can be a bit daunting too. I remember I babbled inanely to the checkout clerk about how we weren't going to drink this, but I was making vanilla extract...she thought I was crazy I'm sure.
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
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Heartbroken farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
604 Posts
Annette
rio vista
Ca
USA
604 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2011 : 05:54:06 AM
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I too love vanilla, I have enough extract at the moment...my hubby was about to get me a case of it in big jars while in Mexico a few years ago....but I adore the vanilla beans 7 have learned that just because you scrap them out they are still good...did you know you can freeze what you don't use? Most people think its just the seeds they use....the bean part itself can be used over & over again until all the scent is gone....I when making vanilla bean ice cream scrap out the seeds to use but also throw in the bean itself into the ice cream maker...whenever the ice cream is done I wait until I find the bean, pull it out , rinse it off & throw it in the freezer for the next batch of ice cream.....you can also use the bean to flavor cream for coffee, tea ect....put in a sugar bowl full of sugar to flavor it.......can do this with powdered sugar&brown sugar as well....just use a bean you scraped but didn't use in any milk produce...or you will have soured milk & smell in your sugars...put it in a cup of boiling water & let set until water is cool, take out bean & put water in a spray bottle with more water if wanted & use as carpet/curtains freshner....good for pet beds also....if expensive curtains do it near the back of the hem to check if it leaves oil spots.....sometimes it can......Anything you use to freshner carpets with such as corn starch or baking soda can have a vanilla bean added to it....just make sure to seal it up for a while so you get the smell then use...but don't throw away the bean until you cant smell it anymore...just throw it in the freezer ...if left in freezer let thaw out & dry for a while before using in powder items.....Once smell is almost gone grind it up & put it in hamdmade soap.....put in with your coffee filter for a mild vanilla coffee.....mix with homemade body scrub....or if nothing else put in a small cloth bag & stick in your bedding drawer or towel drawer.....but they are wonderful & I try to use them for every bit of scent/favor i can get from them.......I just ordered 1/2 lb of madagascar beans for under $40 dollars & am sharing them with my sister....and a dear friend....they should last me for forever & a day with all that I can do with them.....Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622 |
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dena beans
Farmgirl at Heart
8 Posts
dena
danville
il
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2011 : 08:43:12 AM
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Wow so many ideas!! Thank you for sharing!!
Dena |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 08:49:35 AM
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You can also use the vodka (GRAIN VODKA-NOT POTATO!) for mint extract and lemon/orange extract as well! :) I've got those on my shelves here as well!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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MamaCrunch
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Nasvhille
TN
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 10:50:49 AM
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I've been making my own vanilla extract for a few years now. We like to use different alcohols to give the extracts different effects. I think our favorite is using spiced rum. Brandy is pretty good as well.
I'm impatient so we start using our vanilla after about 8 weeks. I make a quart mason jar amount at a time so even thought I'm using it, it's still getting better with age!
Farmgirl #2161
Just tryin' to homestead in the middle of a suburban neighborhood!
Blog~ http://thelittleboygreen.com |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 2:47:25 PM
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Wow! I love this idea. Do you have any special place you get the decorative jars? I think it's a great present and hostess gift.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
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JThomp
True Blue Farmgirl
135 Posts
Justine
Raymore
Missouri
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 8:18:04 PM
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| I have come across the recipe for making vanilla before too, but wasn't sure about it. I think I will try it out. I have to try making the lemon and orange extracts also. Thank you for sharing so many great ideas! |
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cynfullypurple
True Blue Farmgirl
190 Posts
Cynthia
Endwell
NY
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 07:34:56 AM
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WOW! I had no idea it could be so easy to make along with the lemon and orange extract as well! Definitely the right time to start making some so they will be ready in time for the holidays to give as gifts, which will help me towards earning one of my merit badges
Thanks for sharing!!
Cyn~
Farmgirl #2817
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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BalancingAct
True Blue Farmgirl
297 Posts
Jackie
Hoosierville
USA
297 Posts |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 08:15:45 AM
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Fantastic! Thank you ladies!
Farmgirl Sister #2851 -"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 3:32:48 PM
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I got a dozen really cheap, cute bottles online as well-put some grossgrain ribbon on and a cute tag and Christmas gifts for those you usually forget (postman, etc.) are taken care of!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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adnama
True Blue Farmgirl
171 Posts
inge
fargo
north dakota
USA
171 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 3:50:27 PM
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| Where do you get your beans from, I can't see spending 15.00 for 6 vanilla beans at the store, and I know there are some places that you can get 1/2 lb or more for nearly the same price. But there does seem to be some variaty in beans as well, there are a couple of different types. any input would be appreciated. I love Watkins vanilla the best of all of them but that is going at a pretty good clip being that I have stopped buying bakery items and am going as homemade as possible. I made cupcakes for grand daughters pre school and now in addition to cleaning houses have standing orders for cupcakes from moms, yikes. |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 6:30:38 PM
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I get my vanilla beans in the bulk section of our natural food store. You buy them by the pound, and it looks expensive, but one bean is a mere ounce or two, so you really only pay a dollar or two. Very reasonable. That's the best way to buy spices too. Much cheaper than in the store.
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
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naturemaiden
True Blue Farmgirl
2569 Posts
Connie - Farmgirl #673
Hoosick Falls
NY
USA
2569 Posts |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2011 : 4:23:04 PM
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I also make my own vanilla. For a smaller size recipe I use:
1 vanilla bean
3 oz Vodka
Wait for 4 wks.
I also store it in a dark place. I don't use it often so this size batch works for me.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com |
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CurlysQuilts
True Blue Farmgirl
569 Posts
Sarah
Northeast Kingdom
VT
USA
569 Posts |
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2011 : 10:20:34 AM
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I just got down to below the tips of the beans...time to go get more grain vodka. This batch lasted me two years!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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HomeSafeHome: Make your own vanilla extract! |
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Make your own vanilla extract!
