Gifts From the Kitchen
Homemade Vanilla Extract
#SundaySupper
Gifts from the Kitchen Homemade Vanilla Extract #SundaySupper
This weekends #SundaySupper is all about Gifts From the Kitchen.
Our host for the holiday festivities is Susan from The Wimpy Vegetarian.
Stop by and visit her if you get a chance and thank her for picking such a fun holiday theme and for hosting this weekend’s event.
Keep reading to find the other great Gifts from the Kitchen posts from this weekends Sunday Supper below.
I’m sure you will be able to find a recipe or two for your Homemade Holiday Gifts this gift giving season.
It’s a little late to be making homemade vanilla extract for Christmas gifts but it is still doable if you include a “use after” date on the bottle.
A Use After label for HOmemade Vanilla Extract
Last month when I saw the call out for a Sunday Supper Gifts from the Kitchen theme I happened to be on Facebook when it posted to the Sunday Supper Group on Facebook.
I immediately joined up to make homemade vanilla extract. I made it once before, about 10 months ago. Not to give away as gifts at the holidays but just to make it for my own use.
And because I love making stuff like that.
I’m a mixture of cook, baker and mad scientist when it comes to stuff like this.
I still have about a 1/2 a quart from my first batch and I will probably bottle some of that up as Christmas gifts for a few close friends. Now that I have started another batch I don’t have to hoard my stash.
I’ve kept vanilla beans in that jar and it is a dark golden brown and adds a little bit of magic when you add it to a recipe.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
When I made the vanilla extract the last time I made the extract in mason jars and individual bottles. This time I am making the extract in 2 large bottles then I will fill individual 4 oz Boston Round bottles that I will give as gifts.
You can do it either way.
The beginning of homemade Vanilla Extract
Honestly I think using the vodka bottle itself or some other large jars works out better and is easier to handle. This way you only have one or two bottles to shake as the extract is curing.
If you fill the small individual bottles then you will need to shake each bottle every day or so. That is a lot more work and make storing a little more difficult.
You only need four things to make Vanilla Extract; Vodka, Vanilla Beans, a container and patience.
Here is what you will need
There are many sources for Vanilla Beans. Search Google, Amazon or Ebay.
To be honest the Vanilla Beans I bought the last time off Ebay were a much better quality than the ones I bought on Amazon a few weeks ago.
Vanilla Beans
If you plan on using the vodka bottle you will need to pour some out before adding the vanilla beans. You will also have to measure the vodka so you know how many vanilla beans per cup of Vodka you will need to use.
The last time I made Vanilla Extract I followed directions I found online on a number of different blogs. At that time I couldn’t find one set of instructions that said use X number of vanilla beans per X amount of vodka. This time I did a bit more research and found out that 5 vanilla beans per one cup of Vodka is recommended.
I also found a great website that gives very detailed information on commercial Vanilla Extract production along with detailed information about Vanilla Beans. I didn’t realize that most commercial vanilla extract has water added to it until I read that article
They do sell Vanilla Extract and other Vanilla products. I have never bought anything from them so I can’t really say anything about their products. This is not an endorsement for the company but I found the article very interesting and thought you might too.
To make the extract simply measure the vodka and add 5 beans per cup of vodka in your container.
Split you’re vanilla beans down the center
You can split the beans and leave them whole or you can cut them up in small pieces and add them to the jar. Either way will work.
Vanilla Beans
Do you see how stiff some of the vanilla beans are? Those are the beans I bought off Amazon. Vanilla beans are very delicate and very expensive. If they are not store properly they will get hard and brittle. Those stiff beans were left in the package they arrived in and sat around for about 2 weeks before I began making the extract.
They were almost too hard to split when I opened them. The first order of beans I made off eBay also sat around the way they were shipped plastic wrapped but they were soft and supple when I opened them. They started getting hard after I opened and wrapped them triple in plastic wrap and ziplock bags as suggested.
If you will not be using many vanilla beans for baking I suggest you buy only the amount of vanilla beans that you will need to make you’re extract. Usually you will find the information about how many beans are in a 1/4 or 1/2 pound of beans somewhere in with the information on the type of vanilla beans you are buying.
The vanilla beans start to degrade once you open the package they were delivered in. I followed directions for re-wrapping them and storing them but both my purchases of vanilla beans this one ( and it wasn’t the best quality to begin with) and my first purchase hardened when I stored them.
It is almost impossible to re hydrate them after they harden. I tried all the tricks I found on the internet with my first batch.
After a day I could see that the extract was a darker color in the mason jar with the cut up pieces of vanilla bean.
Whole and cut up Vanilla Beans for Homemade Vanilla Extract
If you use small jars or bottles you will have to do the math and figure out how many beans per ounces you’re jar or bottle will need. It is so much easier to use the bigger jars and count the number of cups of Vodka per jar. The recycled Amaretto jar I used held 3 1/2 cups of vodka.
Once you’re beans and vodka are in jars store them in a dark cool cabinet. Occasionally shake them. Most instructions say you can use the extract after about 6 weeks but I have found the extract to be much better after at least three months of curing. The longer the better.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Curing
Check out the difference just 24 hours can make.
Bottle up you’re homemade Vanilla Extract and share the love at Christmas.
Have a happy homemade holiday season with homemade vanilla extract
Happy Holiday’s!
Scroll down to see the rest of the #SundaySupper Gifts From the Kitchen links.
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Ingredients
Vodka
Vanilla Beans 5 per cup of Vodka
2- quart size mason jar or other decorative jar
Instructions
- Measure Vodka into jars.
- Add 5 split Vanilla Beans per cup of Vodka.
- Steep or cure for at least 6 weeks before using.
Notes
After curing bottle in 4 ounce brown Boston Round Bottle or a similar type bottle.
Cure for a minimum of 6 weeks or indefinitely.
When the extract gets low you may pour more vodka in to keep the bottle going.
Don't waste the beans after curing. Rinse off well and add to a jar of sugar to make vanilla sugar.
You can also grind dried out vanilla beans into a pwder and add to sugar.
#SundaySupper
Gifts From the Kitchen
Breads / Breakfast
- Pumpkin Biscoff Bread – Dinners, Dishes, and Dessert
- All-in-One Beer Bread Kit – girlichef
- Banana Coconut Coffee Cake with Macadamia Nut Streusel – The Lovely Pantry
- Pancake Mix With Apple Cider Syrup and Candied Walnuts – Tora’s Real Food
- Cranberry Hootycreeks – Baker Street
Condiments / Ingredients
- Apple Butter – Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
- Cranberry Strawberry Jam – The Meltaways
- Herb Vinegars – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Harissa – The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Homemade Vanilla Extract – Flour on my Face
- Homemade Cherry Extract – Cravings of a Lunatic
- Nutella Powder – I Run For Wine
- Apricot Pineapple Rum Sauce – Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Spiced Cranberry Apricot Almond Chutney – Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Pumpkin Butter – Family Foodie
Soup and Snacks
- A Soup For You – Momma’s Meals
- Maple Nut Granola - Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Sweet and Spicy Curried Nuts – Soni’s Food for Thought
- Roasted Spiced Nuts – Mrs Mama Hen
- Sweet and Spicy Pecans – Supper For a Steal
- Maple Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars – Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Orange Spiced Chickpeas – Home Cooking Memories
- Turtle Pretzels – The Messy Baker
Sweets
- Rocky Road Candy – Magnolia Days
- Dairyfree Vegan Caramels – Galactosemia in PDX
- Peanut Butter Cookies in a Jar – Mama’s Blissful Bites
- M&M Cookies in a Jar – Damn Delicious
- Monster Cookie Mix in a Jar – What Smells So Good?
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Biscotti – Meal Planning Magic
- Snickerdoodle Snack Mix – Pippi’s in the Kitchen Again
- Butter and Jam Thumbprint Cookies – Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Peppermint Stick Cookie Truffles - The Weekend Gourmet
- Nutella Truffles – Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Peanut Cajetas (Peanut Fudge) – Basic and Delicious
- Cookie Cutter Fudge – Chocolate Moosey
- Pumpkin Roll – Shockingly Delicious
- Homemade Chocolates – My Trials in the Kitchen
- Hot Chocolate on a Stick – Juanita’s Cocina
- Chocolate Toffee “Crack” – Ruffles and Truffles
- Holiday Tree Cake – Noshing with the Nolands
- Salted Caramel Cookies – Mama Mommy Mom
- Fruit and Nut Cookies – In the Kitchen with Audrey
Drinks
- Applepie Moonshine - My Catholic Kitchen
- Holiday Spiced Mocha - Daily Dish Recipes
- Homemade Peppermint Mocha Mix - In the Kitchen with KP
- Homemade Kahlua - That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Please join on us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper on November 11. In the evening we will meet at 7pm EST for our weekly #SundaySupper live chat.
All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.
We’d also love to feature your own posts for Gifts From the Kitchen on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board to share them with all of our followers, too.
It has been over a year now and I only use homemade vanilla extract! This is easily one of the best gifts for a baker!
Baker Street recently posted..Cranberry Hooteycreeks #SundaySupper
I started making vanilla extract last year for Christmas and since I’ve used it in my baked goods I haven’t stopped! It’s much cheaper then buying at the store and the flavor is so much better. Love the pretty bottles you have it in!
Hezzi-D recently posted..Apple Butter #SundaySupper
Never tried making my own, thanks for the idea!
Cindy’s Recipes and Writings recently posted..Herb Vinegars #SundaySupper
I have thought about making vanilla extract for the longest time. I don’t know why I haven’t made it yet because I use vanilla so much. You have inspired me to give it a try and I’m using your formula and recipe. Now for the patience part…
Renee recently posted..Rocky Road Candy for Gifts from the Kitchen #SundaySupper
Renee
You will love it I promise!
My homemade vanilla has been sitting for weeks for gifts! Of course, I kept some for me too!
Jen @JuanitasCocina recently posted..Hot Chocolate on a Stick ~ Gifts From the Kitchen #SundaySupper!
I’ve only made my own extract once and it was absolutely fabulous. I really need to do it again and you have inspired me. I love the labels and bottles you used!!
Nicole @ The Daily Dish recently posted..Gifts in a Jar – Gingerbread Spice Mocha Coffee Mix #SundaySupper
Thanks so much Nicole!
Wow!
I never knew how simple it is to make Vanilla Extract. Your explanation of how the vanilla beans should be (softer rather than hard) is much appreciated. I love when a recipe tells you the pitfalls you may encounter along the way, it takes the scariness out out trying something for the first time.
If I get started now, I may have a batch ready for Christmas!!
Cheers!
Eileen Gross | Wine Everyday recently posted..12 Most Pretty in Pink Wines for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Eileen
Thank you so much. It’s nice to know when the little extra info I’ve included is useful to my readers.
I hate to double-up on comments, but I’m not sure if my first went through (got a weird 404 re-direct). Anyhoo…I think homemade vanilla extract makes a fabulous gift! It’s all I use and think that everybody should be able to experience the difference. Great bottles and labels!
Heather@girlichef recently posted..All-in-One Beer Bread Kit {#SundaySupper} + Apple Cheddar Beer Bread
Heather
Sorry you had a problem leaving the first comment. No problem it never came through! Thanks!
I’ve never thought to try to make homemade vanilla extract before – what a great idea! I’d love to get this as a gift…
Katie recently posted..Chocolate toffee crack for #SundaySupper
I have homeade vanilla extract all ready to go for christmas presents.
veronica gantley recently posted..Apple Pie Moonshine for #SundaySupper
Thanks so much for the detail explanation of making this vanilla extract. I am going to try this for own use too and is also a great idea as a gift!
Faye Leong recently posted..Homemade Chocolates – Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen #SundaySupper
I just saw this recently and thought what a brilliant idea. A great gift to give and I love your little jars!!
Tara recently posted..Holiday Tree Cake for Gifts From The Kitchen at #SundaySupper
Homemade vanilla extract is probably THE best gift! The flavor is unbeatable and the uses are endless. Who wouldn´t want to receive this? Wonderful pics
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen recently posted..Apricot Pineapple Rum Sauce #SundaySupper
We better get right on this if it takes 6-weeks! The girls will love helping me make this as it sounds super simple. And I can see them fighting over who gets to shake it each day! Does the brand or quality of vodka matter? I don’t drink much and know nothing about vodka.
Audrey’s Mamma recently posted..Gluten-free Fruit and Nut Cookies #SundaySupper
Great idea! I keep seeing this around and always think I can do that and then never get to it. It is a bit late for me to give as gifts but I can and will be trying this out for me soon.
Emily @ Life on Food recently posted..Weekend Edition: Season of Giving
Fantastic – homemade vanilla extract! What a great gift idea! Love it
Bea recently posted..#Dairyfree #Vegan Caramels for #SundaySupper
I really want to make this. I tried to make vanilla extract once and it did not quite work out. But I really want to make my own! Time to try again! Thanks for sharing.
Sheila recently posted..#SundaySupper: Snickerdoodle Snack Mix
Sheila
If you use enough vanilla beans it will turn out perfect. You will never want to buy store bought again.
I have never made homemade vanilla extract! Your bottling is so cute too. What a fantastic gift.
Megan @ I Run For Wine recently posted..Nutella Powder #SundaySupper Gifts from the Kitchen
When you posted your title I got so excited. I already have my bottle of vodka and my jars ready and waiting so I am so excited to give this a try.
Laura Hunter recently posted..Nutella Truffles #SundaySupper
Laura
You will love it and never want to buy commercial vanilla again.
Oh, homemade vanilla extract is so east, and so good! You just have to plan ahead and make it WAY in advance
I make this all the time, and it is so nice.
Conni Smith recently posted..A History of – Veterans’ Day
I’ve never made vanilla extract from scratch and this is a great tutorial for somebody like me
Thanks for sharing and I’m sure your guests will love this as their holiday gift 
Soni recently posted..Sweet and Spicy Curried Nuts- Gifts for the Holidays #SundaySupper
This is such a great gift idea. I have never made homemade vanilla, and that has to change. Pinned.
Jennie @themessybakerblog recently posted..Turtle Pretzels~ #SundaySupper Gifts from the Kitchen
Welcome to #SundaySupper!! I just love your gift. I have a bunch of Mexican vanilla beans I got as part of a store close out. They’ve been sitting in the frig waiting patiently, and now I know what I’m going to do with them! Thanks soooo much. I love it!!! And I really appreciate all the tips!
The Wimpy Vegetarian recently posted..#SundaySupper Gifts From the Kitchen : Harissa!
Susan
Thank you so much. You will love homemade vanilla. And thank you for hosting a great Sunday Supper!
Wow, so much great information! I tried making some for myself, and it isn’t very vanilla-y. I think I am being cheap and stingy with the beans. I just heard that they have them cheap at Costco – I may have to get some more to add to my bottle.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips recently posted..Pumpkin Maple Spice Granola Bars – #SundaySupper Gifts from the Kitchen (#gluten free #vegan)
Brianne
I understand. The vanilla beans are so expensive if you are buying them 1 or 2 at a time. It’s so worth it though. The vanilla is awesome.
So easy and good.
Kathia Rodriguez recently posted..PEANUT CAJETAS ( PEANUT FUDGE) #SundaySupper
I’ve got a jar going right now too!
Sarah recently posted..Monster Cookie Mix in a Jar for a Gift Giving #SundaySupper
The finished product is so lovely ! Like the four things you listed… hmmm… patience
!! I can just imagine the flavor in this. Thanks for sharing !
Always wanted to make my own vanilla extract, but never have. A great idea and cute packaging!
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) recently posted..Orange Spiced Roasted Chickpeas #SundaySupper
I’m obsessed, OBSESSED with homemade vanilla extract!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) recently posted..Something Saturdays (11/10/12)
I love that you shared this… I had no idea how easy it is to make vanilla. Your photography is just gorgeous!
Isabel
Thank you so much. Yes it is one of those things that are so easy to make and so much better then store bought.
What a brilliant idea! This would be an ideal gift for someone that you know that bakes alot. I know I’d be thrilled to receive this! Makes me wonder how much BETTER it must taste than store bought. And those labels!!! …cute presentation.
Lyn @LovelyPantry recently posted..Banana Coconut Coffee Cake with Macadamia Nut Streusel for #SundaySupper
Lyn
Thank you! It does taste so much better then store bought. I haven’t bought store bought vanilla in almost a year. And now the prices are sky rocketing so it is really cheaper to make then to buy if you do a lot of baking like I and you do.
This is one of my fave things to make for people. I did monster sized batched last Christmas and gave bottles away. People love getting homemade vanilla. Yours turned out beautifully.
Kim Bee recently posted..Cherry Extract #SundaySupper
Kim
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to make your Cherry Extract!
how easy is that? vanilla+vodka+time=vanilla extract. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah recently posted..Butter and Blackberry Jam thumbprint cookies #SundaySupper
That is so cool! I bet baking with this is amazing!
Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom) recently posted..The Cake Boss On Tour – Discounted Tickets For You!
This would a delightful gift! I would love to make homemade vanilla extract. I like making stuff from scratch too.
Tora Estep recently posted..Pancake mix with apple cider syrup and candied walnuts: A gift from the kitchen for #SundaySupper
I love homemade gifts. Beautifully done! If I may, I’d like to invite you to submit your photos to the new YumGoggle, a photo sharing site with the philosophy that if you worked hard to cook it and photograph it, we should show it off! Hope to see you there soon!
http://www.yumgoggle.com/gallery/
Thanks for sharing this great idea on BeBetsy!! We are excited! Love your blog and all your wondeful ideas. All the best! Sharon and Denise
Sharon and Denise @BeBetsy recently posted..Gifts from the Kitchen Homemade Vanilla Extract
After reading your instructions for DIY vanilla extract, I realize that I haven’t been putting nearly enough vanilla beans per amount of liquid! I like using rum and it’s still ok but with a dominating rum flavor, which is fine for certain recipes but not great for others. In general, I want more of a vanilla taste that is the primary flavor and goal. That said, the stronger rum flavored vanilla extract was excellent for almond pastes, for example, in a galette des roi.