Gifting 101: Homemade Vanilla Extract
Hello friends, welcome to a Gifting 101 segment! This time around, we’re whipping up a batch of Homemade Vanilla Extract for friends and loved ones.
Can we take a moment to step back & think about how it’s nearly the fourth week in November. Where did the whole year go? Literally it feels like this year passed me by in one (long, apparently) blink of an eye. We’ve reached that time of year I love the most. Suddenly it is acceptable to be wrapped up in oversized scarves, to wear cozy polo neck jumpers, to stomp around in our winter boots, and to snuggle up under a blanket by the fire every night. Frankly, how could you not love this time of year?
I’ve already started to mentally prepare myself for the holidays to come. I’ve been stocking up on holiday scented candles, scouring the internet for holiday table decoration ideas, & starting to get my gift-giving thoughts in order. Just little bits & bobs, tokens of love and appreciation. So far, I’ve stocked up on vanilla beans & vodka, with the intention of brewing up a big batch of homemade vanilla extract for my loved ones. The man that checked my ID for the vodka would have a hard time swallowing that, but it’s true.
I have a few other holiday gifting ideas in the works, but I’m kicking things off with this homemade vanilla extract. It literally takes five minutes to whip up a batch, it’s thoughtful, & it’s so so impressive.
Happy gifting, friends!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
A simple recipe for vanilla extract, to bring all of your bakes to the next level.
Yield: 1 cup
Author: Vicki
INGREDIENTS
cute bottles or jars
1 cup vodka
3 whole vanilla beans
DIRECTIONS
Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla beans vertically down the centre and scrape out the seeds.
Place both the seeds and the hollowed out vanilla beans into a sterilized bottle.
Pour the vodka over the vanilla and tightly close the lid before giving it a good shake.
Store the bottle in a cool, dark place for at least six weeks before using (I always pop a date on mine just to be sure!).
NOTES
this recipe scales up very easily, just use three vanilla beans per cup of vodka!
when the bottle starts to run low, simply add more vanilla beans and top it up with more vodka.
vanilla extract will last indefinitely.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to know! Please leave a comment & a rating below, or tag me on Instagram @imvcki. Thank you so much for supporting Passionate Baker!
* I initially shared this post over on Hungermama, but I thought it would be good to have here also!
related posts:
Gifting 101: Preserved Lemons
Christmas Cookie Box
Gifting 101: Homemade Vanilla Sugar
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