I saw this post on The Italian Dish last year, and I LOVED this idea! I immediately made plans to give homemade vanilla extract to my friends and coworkers this Christmas. It is SO easy! You only need two ingredients – vanilla beans and vodka. Who knew it was so simple?! Make sure to plan ahead – this needs to steep for about 8 weeks before it is ready to use. I started this back in October so I could give it out at Christmas.
I used The Italian Dish’s recommendations for supplies. I got the Bourbon Vanilla Beans from Beanilla, the bottles from Speciality Bottle Company and the labels from My Own Labels.
The cards are from moo.com – I love them! I even decorated the Plain Chicken for Christmas.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
4 oz unflavored vodka
1 ½ vanilla beans, split
Combine in a 4 ounce bottle and let steep for 8 weeks. As you use the extract, fill the bottle up with more vodka and you will have extract forever.
Hey there.. Just got all my supplies this weekend except the vodka.. Any specific brand you found works better than the other. I also got the amber bottles. Did you use clear or amber?
I used clear bottles, but amber should be fine. I used Smirnoff vodka – you don't want to use anything too expensive since you aren't drinking it.
Steph, I'm still using mine (refilling as needed). I think of you every time and it makes me happy!
Love you and miss you!
You are so sweet! I miss you too!
Can't wait to give this a try – just ordered my vanilla beans today.