Making my own vanilla extract was something that I have though about doing for a while now. I have heard that in the long run making homemade vanilla extract ends up being cheaper than repeatedly buying it in the supermarket so that's nice. It is also definitely a plus that by making vanilla extract yourself, there is no need to worry about any weird additives and artificial ingredients floating around in there.
However, when I read that the vanilla extract making process requires a waiting period of 4 to 6 months, I found myself second guessing if I was really up to the challenge. Let's just say that of all of my flaws, impatience seems to always stand out in bold, right at the top of a very long list. Yet, here I am now, trying to tame this vicious beast inside of me and all in the name of flavor.
To make your own Vanilla Extract you will need the following:
5 to 7 Grade B Whole Vanilla Beans, per 1 Cup 80 Proof Vodka
Glass Jars with tight fitting lids - For the Vanilla/Vodka Mixture to age in for 4 to 6 months
A very sharp Pairing Knife
A very sharp Large Knife or Scissors
A Cutting Board
A Strainer - To strain the Vanilla Extract after it has fully aged
A Funnel
More Jars to permanently store your strained Vanilla Extract in
A ridiculous amount of patience
However, when I read that the vanilla extract making process requires a waiting period of 4 to 6 months, I found myself second guessing if I was really up to the challenge. Let's just say that of all of my flaws, impatience seems to always stand out in bold, right at the top of a very long list. Yet, here I am now, trying to tame this vicious beast inside of me and all in the name of flavor.
To make your own Vanilla Extract you will need the following:
5 to 7 Grade B Whole Vanilla Beans, per 1 Cup 80 Proof Vodka
Glass Jars with tight fitting lids - For the Vanilla/Vodka Mixture to age in for 4 to 6 months
A very sharp Pairing Knife
A very sharp Large Knife or Scissors
A Cutting Board
A Strainer - To strain the Vanilla Extract after it has fully aged
A Funnel
More Jars to permanently store your strained Vanilla Extract in
A ridiculous amount of patience
Making Your Own Vanilla Extract:
Step 1 - Sanitize your jar(s) lid(s), knives/scissors, work area, and make sure that your cutting board is very clean. To do this, I boiled my jars and knives in a large pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. I also ended up buying a brand new cutting board, but only because my old one was nearing retirement anyway, running yours through the dishwasher should be just fine. The main reason for all of this sanitation is because your extract is going to sit inside this jar for 4 to 6 months and it would be a total bummer if it got ruined by any stubborn bacteria or food residue. The strong alcohol will probably kill off most potential bacteria, but to be as safe as possible, it's best to keep things clean and sanitized.
Step 2 - Slice your vanilla beans lengthwise with the pairing knife. Using the non-sharp side of your pairing knife, scrap out the black vanilla bean insides (The caviar), and place it in a pile on your cutting board while you do the same to the rest of your beans. Once all of the vanilla caviar is removed, using your larger knife, cut your scraped out vanilla bean pods into fourths or smaller.
Step 3 - Put both the caviar and the cut up vanilla bean pods into the sanitized jar you are going to age your vanilla extract in. Pour the 80 Proof Vodka over the sliced vanilla beans/caviar and seal the lid tightly.
Step 4 - Shake the jar vigorously once a day for week one, every other day for week two, every few days for week three and whenever you remember to from week four onward.
Step 5 - It is best to store your aging vanilla extract out of direct sun light and away from any strong smells, i.e garbage, dirty laundry, compost, etc.
Step 1 - Sanitize your jar(s) lid(s), knives/scissors, work area, and make sure that your cutting board is very clean. To do this, I boiled my jars and knives in a large pot of boiling water for 15 minutes. I also ended up buying a brand new cutting board, but only because my old one was nearing retirement anyway, running yours through the dishwasher should be just fine. The main reason for all of this sanitation is because your extract is going to sit inside this jar for 4 to 6 months and it would be a total bummer if it got ruined by any stubborn bacteria or food residue. The strong alcohol will probably kill off most potential bacteria, but to be as safe as possible, it's best to keep things clean and sanitized.
Step 2 - Slice your vanilla beans lengthwise with the pairing knife. Using the non-sharp side of your pairing knife, scrap out the black vanilla bean insides (The caviar), and place it in a pile on your cutting board while you do the same to the rest of your beans. Once all of the vanilla caviar is removed, using your larger knife, cut your scraped out vanilla bean pods into fourths or smaller.
Step 3 - Put both the caviar and the cut up vanilla bean pods into the sanitized jar you are going to age your vanilla extract in. Pour the 80 Proof Vodka over the sliced vanilla beans/caviar and seal the lid tightly.
Step 4 - Shake the jar vigorously once a day for week one, every other day for week two, every few days for week three and whenever you remember to from week four onward.
Step 5 - It is best to store your aging vanilla extract out of direct sun light and away from any strong smells, i.e garbage, dirty laundry, compost, etc.
Now all that is left to do is the shaking and waiting. In the meantime, I thought I would share with you my personal experience with this process.
First of all, I decided to make what is referred to as Two-Fold Vanilla Extract, which basically means twice the amount of vanilla beans per cup of Vodka. Then I had the idea that since it was only August, I could make a lot of vanilla extract now and that it would be ready in time for Christmas gifts later. In addition, I noticed that I had a few empty 1/2 gallon mason jars laying around, so I thought, "Ok, cool, I'll make at least 8 cups of Two-Fold Vanilla Extract."
However, what I failed to think about at the time, was how many vanilla beans I would actually have to scrape and cut open to do this. Adding to the fact that this was my first time making vanilla extract and that I was trying to be extra mindful of the process, the whole thing took me almost two hours!
The first hour I kept focusing on how long everything was taking, even considering just making normal vanilla extract. "I could be done scraping beans right now and I bet it would still taste great," my inward laziness whispered seductively, as my hands and fingers began to feel sore.
Still, I soldiered on and by the second hour a strange, unexpected thing happened. As the time passed, I somehow managed to release my self-induced frenzy of clock watching stress and the whole thing became almost like a zen meditation. It's hard to explain, I think the closest comparison might be how it feels to surf, knit or maybe whittle? I mentioned before about my ongoing battle with impatience, maybe this homemade vanilla extract making adventure was exactly what I needed to finally shake this fatal flaw.
I don't know, either way I am glad for this experience, no matter how it all turns out. I guess we'll see come December.
First of all, I decided to make what is referred to as Two-Fold Vanilla Extract, which basically means twice the amount of vanilla beans per cup of Vodka. Then I had the idea that since it was only August, I could make a lot of vanilla extract now and that it would be ready in time for Christmas gifts later. In addition, I noticed that I had a few empty 1/2 gallon mason jars laying around, so I thought, "Ok, cool, I'll make at least 8 cups of Two-Fold Vanilla Extract."
However, what I failed to think about at the time, was how many vanilla beans I would actually have to scrape and cut open to do this. Adding to the fact that this was my first time making vanilla extract and that I was trying to be extra mindful of the process, the whole thing took me almost two hours!
The first hour I kept focusing on how long everything was taking, even considering just making normal vanilla extract. "I could be done scraping beans right now and I bet it would still taste great," my inward laziness whispered seductively, as my hands and fingers began to feel sore.
Still, I soldiered on and by the second hour a strange, unexpected thing happened. As the time passed, I somehow managed to release my self-induced frenzy of clock watching stress and the whole thing became almost like a zen meditation. It's hard to explain, I think the closest comparison might be how it feels to surf, knit or maybe whittle? I mentioned before about my ongoing battle with impatience, maybe this homemade vanilla extract making adventure was exactly what I needed to finally shake this fatal flaw.
I don't know, either way I am glad for this experience, no matter how it all turns out. I guess we'll see come December.
Oh! I almost forgot about Step 6! If you scraped out more than 50 (Or less, who's counting) vanilla beans, have a shot of Vodka when you're done, it doesn't matter if it is only 10 am, you totally deserve it! ;)