Recipe: Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract

Homemade Pure Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract can easily be made at home, and is much more superior to the vanilla imitation sold in supermarkets. The flavor of a vanilla bean cannot be fully extracted with water. It requires alcohol instead. This explains why some dishes require alcohol, because some compounds (and thus, flavor) cannot be drawn out with water alone. Here, vodka (instead of rum or brandy) is used because it allows the most vanilla bean flavor to come through. The long steep time results in a more intense vanilla flavor.

Ingredients:
2 c vodka
5 vanilla beans

Procedure:
Split vanilla beans lengthwise in half and cut into 1 inch pieces. In a bottle or tall glass container with lid, add vodka and vanilla beans. Close bottle tightly and let stand (or steep) in a cool dark place for at least 3 months.

Note: After finishing the first batch of extract, you may make another batch using the same beans. Simply add half the amount of vodka then let steep again.