For the love of all things good, why did I buy expensive vanilla extract for years? I didn't know you can make it at home, high quality, in a never ending tincture! So, here's an excellent, money saving tip for you- make your own vanilla extract. So very easy, quick, and the best you have ever had for cooking, baking, and making ice creams.
Vanilla Extract2 vanilla beans
1 cup vodka
Take the vanilla beans, and split open, down the length of the bean. Make tiny gashes on the inside of the beans. Place in a canning jar, in the shape of a "C" in the bottom, and cover with the vodka. Macerate, or soak the beans in a cool, dark place, for at least 4 weeks before use. Shake occasionally during this process. Try to make sure, the beans are covered with the vodka at all times. The longer the maceration, the better it is!
Thereafter, whenever you use this vanilla extract, simply replace the amount of vanilla extract you use, with the equal amount of vodka... hence, the never ending tincture!
You could use any high proof alcohol, at least 80 proof. Brandy, rum, and especially bourbon work nicely. However, the vodka lends itself to the most applications, because it is flavorless, and colorless.
I have used Frontier Vanilla Beans, and have found really reasonably priced Madagascar vanilla beans at a specialty spice store. Different beans have different characteristics, but all will work just fine! The cost of the beans, will be a small investment, compared to the savings in the end!
Enjoy!
Yours in health,
Natalie
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