Vanilla Flavoring

(139)
  • Minutes to Prepare:
  • Minutes to Cook:
  • Number of Servings: 48
Ingredients
2 vanilla beans8 ounces vodka
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.

Servings Per Recipe: 48
Nutritional Info 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

Member Reviews
  • WHITERAVEN11
    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
  • BLUEJEAN_GIRL
    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
  • BSTELLING
    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
  • TISHLUVS2QUILT
    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
  • CHEFNANCI
    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
  • MISTY95
    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
  • STALEAN
    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
  • CD7023171
    Yar not shapostah drink it.. hic! Itsh great on icsh cream too! hic. LoL - 1/26/11
  • DEEPGREENBEAN
    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
  • CD534346
    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
  • GIGAGEEKWERNER
    For those of you who complain about the alcohol - go search for McCormick vanilla extract - it's 35% alcohol. - 10/25/10
  • LASERMOM59
    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-p
    enzeysvanillabeans.html - 1/7/11
  • STEPHM58
    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
  • MURRINER04
    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
  • HOPE2BE
    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
  • BAILEYSMOM7
    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
  • ASLREBECCA
    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
  • ND774748
    You can buy vanilla beans at Costco or BJs. You can also buy then at health food stores. - 3/23/10
  • MEECHEEDA
    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
  • CD2415256
    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
  • KITTYF54
    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
  • BECKYJONES3
    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
  • JAMESCAPE
    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
  • LUVSBULLDOGS
    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
  • KBUTTERFLY
    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