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Very easy to do!
Split the vanilla beans and cut into 1″ lengths. (eBay is a great place to buy vanilla beans. You will be amazed at how beautiful and plump they are!) Put the vanilla beans in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour vodka in.
Put the jar in a dark place (pantry, cupboard) for about 6 weeks. Shake the jar once a day or so. The vodka will begin to change color–you are making vanilla!
After about 6 weeks, strain the vanilla to get the beans out and then pour the liquid into smaller bottles, if you’d like. You can use the same beans for another batch of vanilla (two batches for one set of beans is about the limit).
Homemade vanilla is not quite as dark as store bought, but is certainly as, if not more, flavorful. It is fun to make and very economical. It also makes a great gift–you can design your own label for the bottle. Your friends will be thrilled!
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delynn on 8.22.2009
As far as I know, it keeps indefinitely. That seems to be the general consensus. It is recommended that the vanilla be stored in a cool, or relatively cool, dark place. My large bottle is in my pantry–I just fill up the bottle I keep in the kitchen as needed.
Let me know if you have other questions!
candy on 8.21.2009
Do you know how long (expiration) you can store this after it’s done?
delynn on 8.20.2009
That’s what I thought when I first read about making vanilla! You are welcome.
The lady I originally heard about it from had a spreadsheet that showed the cost of making vanilla like this vs. the cost of buying various brands. The cost savings of making your own vanilla is significant–plus it is simple and provides a great result!
plumeria237 on 8.20.2009
What a great idea, thanks so much!