Kittencal's Homemade Vanilla

Submitted by Kittencalrecipezazz

"This is the recipe I use for homemade vanilla it's easy to make and somewhat cheaper than the store bought --- plan ahead this needs to steep at least 2 months or even longer for a more stronger taste even 6 months would be better --- use as you would any commercial vanilla, the more vanilla beans that you use and the longer you let it sit for, the stronger the vanilla will be."

 

• Ready In: 1440hrs
• Ingredients: 2
• Yields: 2 cups

ingredients

• 4 -8 whole vanilla beans (cut in half)
• 2 cups vodka

directions

1. Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise.
2. Divide among two narrow bottles that hold about 1 cup each.
3. Vanilla beans may be cut crosswise, if necessary to fit.
4. Add the vodka to cover (1 cup in each bottle).
5. Let sit for at least 2 months before using (the longer the better even 6 months would be the best).
6. ***NOTE*** You can use as many vanilla beans as you wish, they are quite expensive, so I use up to 6 and just let sit for a longer period of time for a more stronger vanilla taste, but you may certainly add in 20 if you wish, but the cost is expensive.
7. Remember, the longer the sitting time, the stronger the vanilla!

Reviews

[Connie Lea]

This is an awesome recipe, but next time I will definitely use vodka. I had some Black Velvet Whiskey that nobody was drinking so decided to use that. The whiskey is much too strong a flavor. Now finally after thee months, the vanilla flavor is getting stronger than the whiskey. Thanks Kittencal for another great recipe.

 

[Laureen in B.C.]

Wow this is so great, I used 12 beans in a 26 oz bottle and let it sit for 6 months, it's fabulous. I've already started a 2nd batch, I just don't want to run out as I keep giving it away. Thanks Again

 

[Demandy]

I am using this same recipe to make vanilla and give as a xmas gift in small 4 ounce bottles. I have been letting it sit for over 6 months. I'll give it stars once I taste the final product. It's a good affordable gift!

 

[Vnut-Beyond Redempt]

This is similiar to my own recipe: 6 beans to 4 cups of rum / vodka. I usually wait 3 - 6 months before I start using it. Don't forget to shake the bottle before pouring it out.

 

[FlemishMinx]

I can't buy liquid vanilla here in Belgium except for 2 teaspoon bottles. This is a real problem for me as I love to bake. This recipe is a suitable alternative, and a real godsend for me. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I found I had to double the quantity of vanilla beans to achieve an acceptable strength in flavor. I waited three weeks and with one bean per cup it was rather weak. Perhaps if I had waited longer it would have strengthened over time ? I will definitely be doing this one again, and if I find that with a longer aging time one bean per cup is adequate I will certainly upgrade my rating. Thanks for posting what for me has been a really helpful recipe !