4.7 of 5 (71)

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Nutritional Info
  • Servings Per Recipe: 48
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 10.7
  • Total Fat: 0.0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 0.0 mg
  • Total Carbs: 0.0 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.0 g
  • Protein: 0.0 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Vanilla Flavoring calories by ingredient
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Vanilla Flavoring

Submitted by: CHEF_MEG
Vanilla Flavoring

Introduction

"Vanilla extract" usually isn't made with real vanilla. The good news is that it's really easy--and affordable--to make your own.

"Vanilla extract" usually isn't made with real vanilla. The good news is that it's really easy--and affordable--to make your own.


Number of Servings: 48

Ingredients

    2 vanilla beans
    8 ounces vodka

Tips


Directions

Split the vanilla beans in half lengthwise. Scrape the seeds from the bean using a knife, and place both the seeds and the beans in a glass jar with a lid. Warm the vodka to 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the warmed vodka over the beans and allow to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar. Store at room temperature for one week, shaking the jar every other day. Strain the mixture, then store in a sealed container. Flavoring will keep for a year, but chances are you'll use it up before then.
Makes 48 one teaspoon servings.




TAGS:  Desserts |


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Member Ratings For This Recipe

  • WHITERAVEN11


    46 of 50 people found this review helpful
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    I have made my own vanilla extract for over 20 years. I put a vanilla bean in a small jar and added brandy. As I use up the liquid, I simply add more brandy. It is my unending supply of vanilla extract. I never filtered the liquid, nor have I added more vanilla bean, but I am satisfied with results. - 11/30/09

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  • BLUEJEAN_GIRL

    Incredible!
    30 of 35 people found this review helpful
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    I've made batches of vanilla this way & have experimented with vodka, vanilla vodka & rum for different flavors. I use 4 beans per 8 oz. & have boxes of dark bottles in the basement at different stages of "marination". People who haven't made the recipe should refrain from commenting. - 11/30/09

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  • BSTELLING


    22 of 22 people found this review helpful
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    You can buy vanilla beans online at bulkfoods.com They sell 3 beans for about $4. Or at http://www.amadeusvanillabeans
    .com/store/ Theirs are about $1 each. I'm sure there are others online too, but I've bought from them before and they are great. - 10/3/10

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  • TISHLUVS2QUILT

    Incredible!
    22 of 22 people found this review helpful
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    This is both cost effective and tastier than purchased vanilla. I just add a new vanilla bean when I make new, but keep the old ones as well (until there are too many beans in my bottle). I'm amazed and delighted that you can use the beans so many times, WhiteRaven! - 12/11/09

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  • CHEFNANCI


    16 of 16 people found this review helpful
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    I MADE THIS RECIPE YEARS AGO, AND DIDN'T CARE FOR THE TASTE OF THE VODKA. HAD TAKEN A COOKING CLASS IN NEW ORLEANS, AND THE INSTRUCTOR SUGGESTED USING BRANDY. I DON'T HEAT THE BRANDY EITHER. JUST LET IT STEEP FOR SEVERAL MONTHS IN REALLY GOOD BRANDY. MY FRIENDS LINE UP FOR THEIR "CHRISTMAS" GIFTS. - 2/4/10

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  • MISTY95


    16 of 17 people found this review helpful
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    I am making the vanilla now. but where do you get vanilla beans for a dollar . i only found one store that sells them and you get 2 vanilla beans for eight dollars - 12/15/09

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  • STALEAN


    13 of 15 people found this review helpful
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    Actually, MEECHEEDA, it takes 2.5 hours continuous simmering to evaporate all but 5% alcohol content in recipes. The heating time mentions to heat until 100-120 degrees F, which would not be sufficient to reduce the alcohol content in the recipe. See whatscookingamerica.net (Alcohol Burn Off chart). - 4/1/10

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  • DEEPGREENBEAN


    10 of 12 people found this review helpful
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    THE RECIPE I USED SUGGESTED JUST SPLITTING THE BEAN--NOT SCRAPING THE SEEDS. IT ALSO DID NOT MENTION WARMING THE VODKA. HOWEVER, MY RESULTS DID NOT HAVE THE SAME DARK COLOR. I UNDERSTAND IF YOU BUY BULK BEANS ON LINE, IT IS MUCH CHEAPER THAN THE HEALTH FOOD STORE. - 1/19/10

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  • KATHRYNLP

    Very Good
    9 of 12 people found this review helpful
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    Yar not shapostah drink it.. hic! Itsh great on icsh cream too! hic. LoL - 1/26/11

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  • DEBBIEDAY

    Incredible!
    8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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    Amazon.com offers vanilla beans at the $1 each rate though you can't order only one or two but then-why would you? :) Vanilla beans are always a great option to have around!!! - 12/30/10

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  • STEPHM58


    8 of 9 people found this review helpful
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    My Mom has also done this for years, with brandy, whisky, or other decent quality alcohol; should she do something silly, we tease her that she's 'been in the vanilla again'. - 5/5/10

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  • MURRINER04


    8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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    I have made this using spiced rum. It turned out great! If using spiced rum it gives the food a little something special that people love! - 1/14/10

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  • GIGAGEEKWERNER


    7 of 9 people found this review helpful
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    For those of you who complain about the alcohol - go search for McCormick vanilla extract - it's 35% alcohol. - 10/25/10

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  • HOPE2BE

    Incredible!
    7 of 8 people found this review helpful
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    Never knew how to make this before. I have bought pure vanilla in Mexico and it stayed for 10 years until we used it up but with this we can give as gifts and not worry about it being used it within a year. - 1/19/10

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  • BAILEYSMOM7


    7 of 11 people found this review helpful
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    Dutchoney, you don't drink it. You use it in baking. Better stay out of restaurants, many add white or red wine to cook with several meals. Same thing. - 12/11/09

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  • CARADAWN

    Incredible!
    6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    Mine has a strong vodka smell - I am not sure if that is normal as real vanilla extract smells more like vanilla. I used it in a muffin mix and the muffins came out great so I assume the mix is good. Will try something with more of a vanilla flavor to test. - 12/23/09

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  • LASERMOM59

    Incredible!
    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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    I have always used brandy. It is the best! I get my spices from Penzey's. I am blessed to have a store a mile from my house but you can order them online also. They truly have the most fresh spices. It is worth the $$. http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin
    /penzeys/p-penzeysvanillab
    eans.html - 1/7/11

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  • KITTYF54

    Incredible!
    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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    I've been making my Vanilla for a long time. And when I find cheap vanilla at the discount store I add a Vanilla bean to that too. Great stuff thanks for reminding me. I better get some started for fall baking. - 4/27/10

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  • ND774748


    5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    You can buy vanilla beans at Costco or BJs. You can also buy then at health food stores. - 3/23/10

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  • MEECHEEDA


    5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    Great Stuff! For those who use imitation vanilla, there is a difference! Dutchoney, the alcohol vaporizes during the cooking process so there is no alcohol in the completed product. I believe this was the initial way that vanilla was made prior to man's chemical imitations that were made - 1/20/10

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  • ASLREBECCA


    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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    I use a 720ml bottle, throw my beans in, put in a dark spot for eight weeks then put a dash of rum in it for the sweetener. I've used a splash of brandy before as well.
    I've never warmed anything, I've never scraped anything. I simply cut my vanilla beans down the middle, not even completely apar - 1/26/11

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  • BECKYJONES3


    4 of 6 people found this review helpful
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    Does anyone have other recipes for the other extracts? Banana extract, Almond extract, etc...I have never heard of this process. What a great idea! - 5/24/10

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  • JAMESCAPE


    4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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    I did not Know How to Make Vanilla flavoring. I just tried yours and will be delighted to tell you how much I enjoy It. - 2/5/10

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  • LUVSBULLDOGS


    4 of 10 people found this review helpful
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    I'd like to make this recipe. Where do you purchase vanilla beans? I've never seen them for sale any place. - 12/6/09

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  • KBUTTERFLY

    Incredible!
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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    made it with brandy, as that was all I had on hand... I think these will be great xmas gifts, especially now I've found some nice bottles. - 1/21/11

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