I tried something new. I’ve been reading a lot on social media about making your own vanilla, and I decided to go big.
So I made a gallon!
So the process is fairly simple. I purchased a gallon jar from Amazon, and when it came, I put it in the dishwasher to thoroughly clean and sterilize it.
I purchased 12 ounces of vanilla beans (splits are good and less expensive). Here are the beans I bought.
If you bought splits, they might be fine as is, but you may have to cut them in half so they fit well in the jar. If you didn’t buy splits, you’ll need to use a sharp knife and split yours in half lengthwise, leaving the bean connected on top.
Put them all loosely in the jar. Then add 40% alcohol by volume to fill the jar. You can use pretty much anything: vodka, rum, or bourbon (which is what I used). Don’t buy the most expensive alcohol in the store, no need for that. Seal the jar up tight.
Place the jar in your kitchen, not in the hottest spot, and somewhere you’ll see it. Give it a shake every two to three days. The extract has to work for at least three months before using, but ideally, more in the 9 months plus range. So make some now if you want to use it for holiday baking!
And when you use up a bunch of, just pour in more alcohol and let it sit. You’ll have it fo4 a good long time!