Homemade Vanilla extract makes a great Holiday gift.
Author:Nicole Franzen
Prep Time::10
Total Time:0 hours
Yield:750ml 1x
Category:Condiment
Method:Steeping
Ingredients
UnitsScale
1 (750 ml) bottle vodka
1cup dark rum
10 vanilla beans
Instructions
Open vodka bottle and remove approximately 1 1⁄2 cup of liquid from the bottle and reserve it. Split all the vanilla beans and scrape the vanilla seeds from the beans.
Using a narrow funnel, push all the vanilla seeds into the bottle of vodka. Cap and shake to distribute. Remove the cap and put the scraped beans into the bottle. Top off the bottle with rum and cap once more.
Stash the bottle in a cool, dark place and let it infuse and mellow for 4 to 6 months. You know it’s done when the vodka is dark, nearly syrupy and fragrant with the scent of vanilla.
To give as gifts, divide the extract between smaller jars or bottles (making sure to include at least one or two beans with every portion) and distribute. If it hasn’t rested long enough for full infusion yet, attach a note with the date when it will be ready.