Christmas Tree Lane participates in affiliate advertising, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase via our links. Thank you for your continued support.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Homemade Christmas~ Homemade Vanilla Extract

Another great gift for a hostess gift or a gift for your coworkers is this easy to make, but oh-so-useful vanilla extract.  If you cook at all, you use vanilla extract.  This one is real vanilla, not an imitation vanilla that is often found in supermarkets.


Vanilla comes from an orchid that is grown mostly in Mexico.  That's why people always bring back vanilla from Mexico when they go.  I did, and it was delicious.

All you need are vanilla beans, plain vodka, and nice jars.

Clean and dry the jars.  I know it seems weird to dry the jars when you are going to pour liquid in them, but we want them as sanitary as we can get them.  

Take a vanilla bean and slice it down one side, without cutting through to the other.  Separate the opening a little bit.  Put the bean in the jar.  Pour vodka into the jar until it covers the bean.  Place the lid on the jar.  Store it in a dark place for at least two weeks.  Give the jars a little shake every now and then to distribute the vanilla.  You want the liquid to be dark.  I think mine needs some more time.

Use as you would regular vanilla extract.

Another use of the vanilla bean pod is to put one in a cup of sugar.  Let the vanilla bean infuse the sugar with the flavor of vanilla.  Use this special sugar sprinkled on top of cupcakes or donuts.  It is wonderful!



Would you like to comment?

  1. Interesting; I never would have thought to make my own vanilla extract. But I do use it all the time in my baking.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this- I have been wanting to do this for some time. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow...you never cease to amaze me Terri! This sounds so much better than buying it in a store and would also make a nice gift.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This looks awesome! I love vanilla flavored things but have never thought of making the vanilla myself. What a great idea and awesome for gifts!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is a very unique idea! I would never have thought to make my own vanilla scent before. Interesting concept.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I never realized it was so easy to make vanilla extract. Thanks for sharing, I really want to try this out!

    ReplyDelete
  7. what a great idea! I would have never thought or known about using vodka!!! thanks for the tip

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the vanilla flavor - we went to mexico recently and got some real Mexican vanilla, can't wait to try it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love vanilla. I would so love to try this and make vanilla syrup for my coffees. I love the fact it's homemade and natural to!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ooh I would love to make some vanilla extract then I could make my own gingerbread latte. Yum thanks for the recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I had no idea that vanilla was so simple to make! What a unique gift idea for others, and I should make some for myself, just because I go through it so often.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh this sounds so easy and so yummy!! I'll have to search out where to buy vanilla bean pods now!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This seems like it would be easy enough to make. There's nothing better than homemade!

    ReplyDelete
  14. No way! It seems pretty easy to make this I might have to try it. We actually go through this pretty quickly.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Vanilla extract in the store is so expensive and doesn't taste nearly as good. I will be trying this myself.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This sounds like a great idea and seems so easy aand straight forward to do! Musch better than buying in the shops.

    ReplyDelete

Receiving comments are like getting a candy cane on your present! Special!