Seems like almost every dessert requires vanilla extract, which has me running out to buy a bottle pretty often since bottles are either 2 to 8 oz only. I had thought about making my own before but was like maybe it’s too much? Well after reading up looks like I can make as much as I want depending on the amount of vanilla beans I use and can just keep adding more vodka to those beans as my supply runs low! So let’s try and see how hard it is to make and keep homemade vanilla extract on hand. Found a few recipes online so here is http://www.thepioneerwoman.com version:

Ingredients

6 whole vanilla beans

8 oz vodka

Directions

Cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise with scissors or a knife. Leave a bit intact at the end if desired. Cut the beans down to fit the height of your jar if necessary.

Put the beans in an 8-ounce jar. Cover with alcohol. Screw the lid on and give it a good shake.

Place in a cool, dark place. Let sit for at least 2 months. The longer the vanilla sits, the stronger the flavor will be. While it’s sitting, give the jar a shake every week, or as often as you can remember.

No need for expensive vodka just needs to be 70 proof or more, and look inside the stalk to see the vanilla beans up close!