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How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Make this extract and never buy it again!

December 11, 2019 By Mary's Nest Leave a Comment

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Mary holding a jar with Vanilla Extract.
Watch the How to Make Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract video

Learn How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract, and you’ll never have to buy it again. Watch my video and print out the recipe in this post for step-by-step instructions. This vanilla extract is perpetual and will last indefinitely.

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Making Homemade Extracts

Making homemade extracts is probably one of the easiest things to do. Vanilla Extract is probably the simplest, and it lasts the longest. Some call it a perpetual extract. Ina Garten, the best selling cookbook author, once said that the beans used in her extract are almost 20 years old! Now that certainly warrants the perpetual label!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In my video, I walk you through the simple steps involved in making Vanilla Extract. You’ll simply cut the beans in half and/or split them down the middle. Next, you’ll place them in a quart-sized or one-liter jar and then fill it with vodka.

Why Vodka for My Extract?

I like to use vodka when making Vanilla Extract or any extract for that matter. Vodka is colorless and basically tasteless and odorless, so it lets the vanilla flavor shine through. However, you can also try other spirits, including rum or bourbon.

What If I Don’t Want to Use Alcohol for My Extract?

Keep in mind that when you use a Homemade Extract, you are most likely going to use it in baking. The heat of the oven will help the alcohol dissipate and just leave the lovely extract flavor behind.

However, if you are concerned about the high-proof alcohol used in making an extract, you do have options. For replacing the vodka or other high-proof alcohol in any extract recipe, simply substitute the alcohol called for with three parts liquid glycerine and one part water. Now keep in mind, glycerine is, in essence, alcohol, but with a much lower alcohol content than 80-100 proof spirits.

One other option when making extracts is to use a low-alcohol wine mixed with glycerine to make your extract. To learn how to make homemade wine and use it with glycerin to make a low-alcohol extract, please visit my sweet friend Heidi over at Rain Country Homestead.

More Ideas for the Traditional Foods Pantry

Now that you’ve learned how to make homemade Vanilla Extract, be sure to try your hand at making more Homemade Extracts and other essentials for stocking your Traditional Foods Pantry, including:

Mary with 10 favors of homemade extracts.
  • How to Make Homemade Extracts  – Flavored Extracts – Baking Basics
  • How to Make a Variety of Homemade Vinegars playlist
  • How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother – DIY From Scratch Recipe for Beginners
  • Homemade Baking Essentials – Baking Basics playlist – including how to make Natural Food Colorings, Evaporated Milk, and Condensed Milk.

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I look forward to having you join me in my Texas Hill Country Kitchen!

Love,
Mary ♥
Mary holding a jar with Vanilla Extract.
Print Recipe

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

This vanilla extract is perpetual and will last indefinitely!
Course: Pantry Staples
Cuisine: Americana
Keyword: Baking Basics, Homemade Extracts, Pantry Staples, Vanilla Extract
Servings: 64 servings
Author: Mary’s Nest

Equipment

  • 1 quart-sized jar or 1 liter-sized jar

Ingredients

  • 10 Vanilla Beans, cut in half and split lengthwise
  • Vodka

Instructions

  • Add vanilla beans to the clean jar and cover with vodka.
  • Allow the beans to steep in vodka for six months in a dark pantry or cupboard.
  • After six months, remove some of the vanilla extract and decant it into a clean bottle.
  • Add new vodka to the original jar containing the vanilla beans, and return the jar to the pantry or cupboard to steep for another six months.
  • Every six months, continue this process of decanting some vanilla extract into a separate bottle and topping off the jar containing the vanilla beans with additional alcohol. By following this process, your vanilla extract will basically last indefinitely.

Video

Notes

Find this recipe and video at https://marysnest.com/how-to-make-homemade-vanilla-extract/
Copyright © 2019 Mary’s Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Shop for items used in this blog post or video

Favorite Homemade Vanilla Supplies

  • Madagascar Vanilla Beans
  • Italian Clamp Glass Jar

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*Affiliates note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My videos and blog posts may contain affiliate links to products and services. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay.

**Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, a medical professional, a dietician, or a nutritionist. All content found on the MarysNest.com website, including text, images, videos, eBooks or eGuides, social media, or other formats, were created solely for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or proper nutritional advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have watched in a video or read on this website. Use caution when following the recipe in this video. The creator and publisher of this video and website will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of this recipe and method or any other recipe and method on this website or corresponding video channel.

Filed Under: Homemade Extracts, Pantry Staples, Vanilla Extract Tagged With: Homemade Extracts, Vanilla Extract

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