French food Friday - Home Made Vanilla Extract

 

Making vanilla extract is something I need to do this weekend as I have almost run out of mine as I have used a lot baking my Easter goodies.  I found the recipe on Sally's Baking Recipes and it is her recipe that I am sharing with you today.  

It is a simple process as all you need is 2 ingredients;  vanilla beans and vodka. 

Luckily for us, we have a good supply of vanilla beans on hand as French Boyfriend has a relative living in sunny Madagascar.

Let the vanilla beans infuse the vodka for as little as 8 weeks, but for optimal flavor, wait at least 6-12 months before using. 

Home Made Vanilla Extract

Ingredients

6 vanilla beans (approx. 15g total)

1 cup (240ml) 80 proof vodka (or bourbon, brandy, or even rum)

Method

1. Using a sharp knife, slit the vanilla beans so the beans are exposed. No need to completely split the bean in half, just slit down the middle. If the length of the vanilla beans don’t fit into your bottle or jar, cut the vanilla beans into smaller pieces. Place beans into bottle or jar.

2. Pour vodka on top. A funnel helps. Use a little extra vodka, if needed, so the beans are fully submerged. Shake a few times.

3. Store vanilla at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Shake about once per week or once every couple weeks. Vanilla can be ready to use in as little as 8 weeks, but I recommend at least 6 months for optimal flavor.

As you begin to use your vanilla, you can refill with a little vodka each time. Give it a shake after you refill and give it a shake before each use, too. If you’re gifting the vanilla or if you don’t have any more alcohol to refill, remove the beans completely after first use. The beans will become a little slimy if they aren’t almost fully submerged.

Note unused aged vanilla extract (with the beans fully submerged) will last several years. If it still smells good, it’s still good to use. 

Once you begin using the vanilla and adding more alcohol after each use, the beans will eventually need to be replaced. 

Bon vendredi a tous ♥

Leeann x