Vanilla Bean and Liquor
As a baker, I use a lot of vanilla. Recently, I decided to make my own. Vanilla only requires two things, good vanilla beans and either bourbon or vodka. In my case, I am making two jars so decided to try one of each type.
Madagascar Vanilla Beans
I ordered some Madagascar Vanilla Beans off the internet. I prefer beans from Madagascar but if you like Mexican or Tahitian vanilla beans, by all means, order the vanilla bean you prefer.
Getting Started
Using a sharp knife, slice skin of each bean without cutting all the way through. You want to just open up the inside of the bean where all the little vanilla caviar seeds reside. I used 5 vanilla beans per 8 ounce jar.
Place beans inside the jar and add your bourbon or vodka to cover the beans. (Vodka bottle shown in pic.)
Close the jar tightly and allow to sit. For six months. Yes, you heard that right! Each week be sure to give the bottle a good shake to keep it well incorporated.
Waiting is the hardest part
It takes patience for this process but I think worth the wait! I will admit I did open the bottles on shaking day a few times now and then to find the wonderful scent of vanilla was coming along beautifully. I am pretty sure I will never go back to buying those expensive bottles of vanilla again.
Note: When using the vanilla, if you prefer not to have the little specks of vanilla in your baking just strain through a cheesecloth. For most baking types, this is not an issue, but for buttercream frosting or white sugar cookies you may prefer to strain.
Homemade Vanilla will make great gifts for the bakers in your life. It’s just that easy! So consider making some over the next month or two and you will have wonderful gifts and/or vanilla in time for the next holiday baking season.
Happy baking!
This bourbon vanilla looks amazing. I actually bought some at a farmers’ market a few years ago. Yours will be much better quality & a better price!!! Thanks for the great ideas!! I can’t believe you’re posting in the snow and below freezing temperatures there… Please stay safe!!💕💕
Hi Anne! I cheated and had written the blog weeks in advance. Let me know if you try the vanilla!
So you just open the beans but you do not scrape them? Does all vanilla at that you buy have bourbon or vodka Learn something new every day. Cute bottles
Yes, just open the beans, scraping not necessary. I think all vanilla extracts have some form of alcohol in them.
BTW, you aren’t limited to bourbon or vodka. You could use brandy or rum too. As you would suspect, vodka has a more neutral flavor than bourbon, rum or brandy.