MYO Vanilla Extract

MMM, vanilla. 

I love using vanilla beans, vanilla paste, vanilla powder, vanilla extract, ground vanilla. I never measure, I just pour or scoop it in. You can't get enough good vanilla.

Recently I ran out of vanilla extract, and I've seen this make your own extract all over Pinterest. So I thought I'd give it a shot. Even if I still have to go buy a bottle of extract until this is ready to use.

I didn't have a dark glass jar or vodka. So I found this little bottle of vodka at the store and decided to use it. Even if it's clear, light glass. I store my vanillas in a cool dark place, so I wasn't too concerned. 

Just about all of the posts I read said any cheap vodka will do. Some said bourbon and some said rum were good also. I picked vodka because I liked this bottle, I know right? I also needed some to make pasta sauce. So that's why some of this is missing out of the bottle.

I think I'll modge podge something on the bottle, a label. But I'm not sure yet.

Other than the waiting 4-6 weeks to use this stuff, it's really easy to make. 

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla beans (2 per cup of alcohol)

Vodka, rum or bourbon

Clean hands, knife, cutting board :)

Split the vanilla beans by running the tip of a knife down the center of the whole bean.  Place the vanilla in a clean bottle. Add alcohol to cover. Close tightly. Give it a shake. Store in a cool dry place. Shake it up every week or so.

It will be ready for use in 4-6 weeks, or when you open the bottle and smell sweet vanilla and not alcohol.

That's it, once you are able to use it and it gets low just add more alcohol. Adding a vanilla bean every so often.

My vanilla beans aren't submerged so I just tilted the bottle in storage. If I remember in a couple of months or so I'll get a picture to show you how dark it's gotten.
UPDATE- This is some of the best vanilla I've used, as far as extracts go! I love it. I recently got a bigger ol bottle of Vodka and threw some beans in there so I'll have back up. I'm going to make a bourbon one for holiday candies also.  I'll still buy vanilla paste and beans of course. I love my vanilla.

What do you make with vanilla? How about some of these?

 Buttermilk Cheesecake ice cream

Easy Bread machine Challah

Pumpkin bread pudding with vanilla whipped cream

Carmel Swirl Cinnamon roll ice cream