Do-it-yourself Vanilla Extract » Hummingbird Excessive
About This Do-it-yourself Vanilla Extract
This straightforward do-it-yourself vanilla extract recipe requires simply TWO substances: vanilla bean pods and vodka! The recipe comes collectively nearly effortlessly, too—simply mix the 2 substances in a glass jar, give it a superb shake, and retailer. Over time, the vanilla beans will infuse the vodka to create the extract. You’ll be able to then use the ensuing do-it-yourself vanilla extract in any baking recipe on Hummingbird Excessive, vanilla flavored or in any other case!
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Components and Substitutions
Now that I’ve satisfied you to make do-it-yourself vanilla extract, right here’s your purchasing listing for the recipe:
Buying Checklist For Do-it-yourself Vanilla Extract Recipe
And let’s speak about these substances, some potential substitutions, and related purchasing suggestions.
Vanilla Bean Pods
You want 5 vanilla bean pods to make one (6-ounce) bottle of do-it-yourself vanilla extract.
The Finest Place To Purchase Vanilla Beans
Though you should buy particular person vanilla bean pods on the grocery retailer, they’re dear as heck! Only one single vanilla bean pod normally prices between $9.99 to $15.99 at your common grocery retailer.
So as an alternative, I like to recommend shopping for vanilla bean pods in bulk from Beanilla.com. Though their costs have gone up not too long ago (ugh, like all over the place else!), you possibly can nonetheless discover fairly good offers. I not too long ago purchased 10 Madagascar vanilla bean pods for $28.50. That’s $2.85 per vanilla bean pod!
What’s the distinction between Madagascar, Mexican, and Tahitian vanilla?
Right here’s a fast abstract of the variations between Madagascar, Mexican, and Tahitian vanilla:
- Madagascar Vanilla: Most available vanilla extracts and beans use Madagascar vanilla bean pods. It has a creamy, wealthy taste, with refined notes of chocolate.
- Mexican Vanilla: Mexican taste has a refined, woodier taste, with a spicy-sweet character just like clove or nutmeg.
- Tahitian Vanilla: Tahitian vanilla has a fragile floral, fruity taste just like anise and cherry. As a result of Tahitian vanilla could be very prone to warmth, it’s costlier and prized.
Vodka
You want ¾ cup (6 ounces or 170 grams) to make one (6-ounce) bottle of do-it-yourself vanilla extract.
The Finest Vodka To Use For Do-it-yourself Vanilla Extract
Actually, there’s no have to splurge on high-end vodka. A budget stuff works simply in addition to the costly stuff. Simply make sure to keep away from vodkas with synthetic flavors and sugars added—these flavors and sugars will have an effect on the style of your do-it-yourself extract!
Can I exploit one other alcohol moreover vodka?
Sure! You should utilize any type of alcohol you favor, however vodka works finest as a result of it’s impartial in taste and can actually make the vanilla beans shine. You can even choose an alcohol with a complimentary taste like bourbon or rum.
How To Make Do-it-yourself Vanilla Extract
Listed below are the essential steps to make do-it-yourself vanilla extract:
- Prep the vanilla beans. I prefer to slice the vanilla bean pods lengthwise earlier than putting them within the bottle. Doing so permits vanilla beans to flee out of the pods extra simply and infuse your extract with much more taste!
- Add the vodka and shake. A metallic funnel (like one from this set!) will make this course of go by shortly and simply.
- Retailer at room temperature in a cool, darkish place for at least 8 weeks (however ideally 6 months). You’ll be able to technically use the extract in 8 weeks. Nonetheless, it will likely be way more flavorful in case you wait a full 6 months!
Finest Recipe Ideas
- For finest outcomes, retailer your do-it-yourself vanilla extract in an hermetic glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don’t use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic extra time and trigger it to leech chemical substances into your extract.
You should purchase hermetic glass bottles with resealable lids on-line. I like these ones from 5-ounce bottles from Ikea (which is what I used, and they store 6-ounces of liquid comfortably!), in addition to these larger 8.5-ounce bottles from Amazon.com.
- For those who use a bigger bottle, don’t be afraid to make use of extra alcohol to make extra extract! I like to recommend going as much as 1 cup (8 ounces or 227 grams) of vodka for five vanilla bean pods. Don’t use anymore than that, although—in case you use an excessive amount of alcohol, your extract gained’t be as flavorful as mine!
Use Your Do-it-yourself Extract In These Vanilla Recipes on Hummingbird Excessive
Do-it-yourself Vanilla Extract Recipe
yield: 1 (6-ounce) bottle
Components
- 5 vanilla bean pods
- ¾ cup (6 ounces or 170 grams) vodka
Directions
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Prep the vanilla beans. Use the tip of a pointy knife to slice every vanilla bean pod lengthwise. Working one after the other, stuff the pods into the bottle—it’s possible you’ll have to fold the pods to get them to suit.
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Add the vodka and shake. Use a (ideally metallic) funnel to pour the vodka into the bottle stuffed with vanilla beans. Add extra vodka if essential to make sure that the beans are totally submerged. Shake vigorously for 15 to 30 seconds.
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Retailer for at least 8 weeks (however ideally at the least 6 months) earlier than utilizing. Retailer the extract at room temperature in a cool, darkish place for at least 8 weeks, however at the least 6 months for optimum taste earlier than utilizing. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds on a weekly foundation.
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Take away the vanilla beans from the vodka after first use. After 6 months, take away the pods fully after first use. Use as instructed in a recipe. Nonetheless, if utilizing the extract earlier than 6 months, hold the pods within the bottle and high the extract off with extra vodka—the pods nonetheless have taste that you may extract. Shake and retailer as instructed within the recipe. Solely take away the beans after 6 months has handed. Do-it-yourself vanilla extract with out the pods will retailer within the hermetic glass bottle at room temperature for as much as 3 years.
Notes
- For finest outcomes, retailer your do-it-yourself vanilla extract in an hermetic glass bottle with a resealable stopper. Don’t use plastic—the alcohol will degrade the plastic extra time and trigger it to leech chemical substances into your extract.
You should purchase hermetic glass bottles with resealable lids on-line. I like these ones from 5-ounce bottles from Ikea (which is what I used, and they store 6-ounces of liquid comfortably!), in addition to these larger 8.5-ounce bottles from Amazon.com.
- For those who use a bigger bottle, don’t be afraid to make use of extra alcohol to make extra extract! I like to recommend going as much as 1 cup (8 ounces or 227 grams) of vodka for five vanilla bean pods. Don’t use anymore than that, although—in case you use an excessive amount of alcohol, your extract gained’t be as flavorful as mine!
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