
How To Make Vanilla Extract From Home And Save Some Cash!
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A splash of vanilla in a morning pancake or a favourite baked treat elevates it to a whole new level, and those are some of life’s simple pleasures. The tricky part is finding good-quality vanilla extract and paying a premium for it when found. Even worse, many manufacturers are known to add artificial flavours.
On a brighter note, preparing vanilla extract from the comfort of your abode is very easy and rewarding. With a sprinkle of patience and a few ingredients, one can achieve pure, 100% affordable vanilla extract. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent homemade gift!
This guide will walk you through the complete process of preparing vanilla extract to storage tips.
Why Go Out of Your Way to Prepare Your Own Vanilla Extract?
Before I point out extensive reasons as to why you should go out of your way make vanilla extract, let’s ask ourselves one thing. Why go out of your way knowing it’s a lengthy process?
- Easy On The Wallet
The main issue is that good quality vanilla extract costs a fortune.
Not only does making it at home save costs, but gives you the liberty to curate the quality of ingredients used, providing you better value for every dollar spent.
- Unparalleled Taste
Store-bought alternatives often add extra ingredients or diluted formulas. Homemade vanilla extract offers the best, simple, strong, rich, and complex taste that takes your recipe to another level.
- Can Be Altered
Do you want more stronger taste of vanilla? Feel free to change the type of vanilla beans used or the length of infusion to your own preference. You can even alter the type of alcohol used for a creative approach.
- Eco-Friendly and Great for Gifting
Simply use used bottles or jars to put your extract in and cut down on wastage. Also, home-made vanilla extract in a cute jar makes for an elegant gift.
Now that the why is out of the way, let’s get to work.
What Do You Need to Make Vanilla Extract?
Making vanilla extract is simple as it requires just two ingredients and a few supplies that you most likely have lying around the house.
Ingredients
· Vanilla Beans (6-8 beans per cup of alcohol): Search for grade B vanilla beans as they offer the highest flavour concentration. Madagascar and Thai and Mexican beans will are a little more expensive but do have very unique flavours, so consider your taste before choosing one.
· Alcohol (Vodka, Rum, or Bourbon): Unflavoured vodka is a very common alternate because it doesn’t disrupt the vanilla taste like a lot of other alcohols do.
If you want something with a bit more flavour, you can go for the rum or bourbon option instead.
Requirements
· An airtight glass container or jar.
· A sharp knife.
· Some kind of funnel (optional). Can assist with pouring).
Have you got all of your supplies? Awesome! Let's get started.
Instructions for making vanilla extract
Step 1: Get the vanilla beans ready
Take each vanilla bean and, using a sharp knife, very carefully make a cut at the side. The knife should not cut all the way through. Just enough to make a slit that reveals some of the seeds. This step ensures that the full flavour from the beans is osmosed into the alcohol.
Step 2: Add the Beans in the Jar
If you want a stronger vanilla extract, then use between 6 - 8 beans for every one cup of alcohol. By hand, get the split vanilla beans and place them in the glass jar.
Step 3: Put the Alcohol Inside
Begin by putting a funnel in the jar, then pour the alcohol over the beans until the jar is full. Remember to put more alcohol than the required level, the beans need to be submerged so that they do not get covered in mold.
Step 4: Storing the container
After shaking the container firmly with the lid closed, store it in a shelve or spot that has no light.
Step 5: Have Patience—It Will Pay Off in the Long Run
This is the most crucial step. The vanilla beans should be soaked in the alcohol for at least 8 weeks, although for the best results, 4-6 months is recommended. Gently shake the bottle once every week; it will help the flavours infuse together.
Step 6: Store and Use in Your Recipes
When the extract is complete, all that is left is to use it in your cooking and baking recipes. There’s no need to remove the beans, as they will continue to soak in the alcohol. You don’t need to toss the bottle away once the extract is low—just add more alcohol to it.
Pro Tips to Elevate Your Homemade Vanilla Extract
Try Different Beans Per Batch
Madagascar are bold and creamy, while Tahitian are flowery, and Mexican beans have an earthy spiciness. Try creating and blending different beans for one-of-a-kind flavors.
Make More Than One Batch
If you are someone who loves to bake often, why not make a double batch at once? Not only will you never run out, but the flavours deepen even further over time.
Don't Forget Label Your Bottles
If you are keeping the extract for yourself, write the date on the container so you know when you started the batch. If gifting, then add a personalised label on the container so the receiver knows who it is from.
Lacking Alcohol? Use Glycerin Instead
Swap food grade vegetable glycerin in place of alcohol for a non-alcoholic version.
Homemade vanilla extract can take some time to become flavourful, but the process is the same.
Not only does homemade vanilla become perfect for your pastries, but it also becomes a super kind gift. So let us show you how to effectively put it to use.
Storage tips for vanilla extract
Like all extracts, vanilla should be preserved in a dark and cool area so that it does not lose its flavour over time. An excellent tip would be that as long as the flavourful substance is stored properly, it can be used for a very long time.
Using vanilla extract
It goes without saying that vanilla extract is great for baking. Homemade vanilla can be used in the same places where store-bought extract is utilised, which includes frosting, cookies, roasted vegetables, and more.
Great gift idea
For beautiful and stylish packaging, all you need are small bottles, ribbons, and a crafty heart. Now homemade vanilla extract is not only limited for use as a kitchen staple but is also a great present for holidays, birthdays, and parties.
Sisters, mothers, and friends will love this thought-provoking gift.
Testimonials
If this has motivated you to create your own homemade vanilla extract, then by all means do so!
You can now enjoy coffee, cupcakes, and so much more with the taste of vanilla extract. These make the perfect additions for house warming gifts, and decorative bottle jars are guaranteed to make anyone smile.