Very Vanilla

Did you know hands down the most popular flavor of ice cream is vanilla? But we use vanilla in so many more yummy things to eat than just ice cream.

From cookies and cakes, to custards and puddings and so much more, vanilla enhances the flavor and sweetness of so many things we enjoy. But we are finding the price of vanilla extract has risen dramatically. We wondered why, and found some answers online. According to Business Insider: “Vanilla prices have climbed so high it’s worth more by weight than silver. This increase in price has to do with a number of factors, including vanilla bean theft, complex pollination, extreme weather, and the rise of the “all natural” food movement. All of these variables combined to create the perfect recipe for a very expensive spice.”

With the holidays just around the corner, and our baking so much a part of the traditions of so many of us, we are surely going to need vanilla. Our dear chum Pattie gave us some homemade vanilla that was so fantastic! And even better she told us how to make it! So today we are sharing with you what Pattie shared with us.

Homemade vanilla requires just two ingredients:
Vanilla beans and Alcohol – Vodka, Rum or Bourbon
You will need 5-6 vanilla beans per cup of alcohol, and you will also need a jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid.

Using a very sharp knife slice open each bean lengthwise before putting it in a jar or bottle with a tight seal. Next, pour the alcohol over the beans and shake gently. If your jar or bottle has a narrow opening, be sure to use a funnel to pour the alcohol through so you don’t spill any. Allow the vanilla to sit and ripen for 8 weeks, but longer is even better.

If you make this in the next couple of days, it will be ready to use for your Christmas or Hanukah goodies. And if you make extra, you’ll have some to give as gifts. This makes a lovely hostess gift anytime. You could make some now for you to use in your holiday baking, and some you can allow to sit until the Spring for your Easter or Passover desserts.

One more thing, you can add more alcohol as you use the vanilla up. It is best to add a few new beans for each batch but the old beans will continue to impart flavor for up to a year depending on how long you have let the batch sit before using and how much of the vanilla flavor has already been extracted from the beans. Costco is a good source for purchasing vanilla beans or you can find them here on Amazon or at many grocery stores as well.

We have made this homemade vanilla with vodka and we find it much better than commercial vanilla and with the current price of vanilla it is cost effective too. We currently have some “brewing” with spiced rum. We will let you know how that works out. Stay tuned!