Vanilla Flavoring

Vanilla Flavoring

4.6 of 5 (139)
member ratings
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


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

The real stuff adds such a layer of flavor to your baked goods that once you've made your own, you'll never want to go back. Vanilla beans are about $1 each, and because you're only using a cup of vodka, you can just buy the "airplane" size bottles. It ends up being about 5 cents per serving.

This makes a great hostess gift. Make a large batch of it and give it away as a holiday gift.


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.

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Member Ratings For This Recipe


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    70 of 75 people found this review helpful
    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


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    48 of 56 people found this review helpful
    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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    33 of 33 people found this review helpful
    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


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    33 of 33 people found this review helpful
    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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    32 of 33 people found this review helpful
    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