Homemade Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is commonly used as a term for something being bland, but I have never understood that. Vanilla has so much flavor, and such a beautiful smell! I remember in Junior High I took a cooking class and a good friend of mind, Kami, and I would always "accidentally" add just a bit more vanilla than any recipe called for. The cheap stuff - found at any grocery store - is ok, but does not even compare to the real thing! On a trip to Mexico a few years ago we brought some home and I don't think I can ever go back. A couple nights ago I came across a recipe to make your own at home, and I don't think I can resist trying this. It never even occured to me before that I might be able to make it myself! I found this specific recipe on Simply Recipes, but different variations can be found all over the internet.

Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:

- 3 vanilla beans
- 1 cup vodka
- glass jar with tight fitting lid

1 Use kitchen scissors or a sharp paring knife to cut lengthwise down each vanilla bean, splitting them in half, leaving an inch at the end connected.

2 Put vanilla beans in a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid (mason jars work well). Cover completely with the vodka.
3 Give the bottle a good shake every once in a while. Store in a dark, cool place for 2 months or longer.

This is so simple, and once it's ready to use just put it in a cute bottle for a great gift! The first week or two it's best to give the bottle a shake once a day. For the alcohol Vodka is the most common because of it's neutral flavor, but any kind can be used as long as it is at leaste 35% alcohol. This lasts for years, but some people say they see "white, fuzzy stuff" floating in it and this can be mistaken for mold - but don't worry, this is just the beans after soaking for so long. It only adds to the flavor, but if you are giving it away as a gift it's probably better to strain it first.

You can also make vanilla sugar by putting a split vanilla bean into a jar of sugar, this is a great way to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavor for baking. You can also reuse the vanilla beans from your extract if you first let them completely dry.