Gettin' Boozy with Homemade Vanilla Extract

So it's a thing.
Make your own Vanilla Extract.
Nothing is more simple... Or as lazy....

First get your beans.
Then pick your poison. (Alcohol)
Grab a jar.
Stick it in a cabinet.
Shake it every once and a whoodle for 6 weeks.

Boom.
Done.
VANILLA EXTRACT.

I used three different types of Alcohol with the Mexican Vanilla Beans I ordered off of Amazon.com

• Rum
• Bourbon Whisky
• Vodka

Vodka is what is typically used if you don't want any other flavor with your vanilla bean. My favorite is the Rum. It gives a delicious flavor to all my bakes.

The ratio:
1/2 Pint alcohol to per 4 vanilla beans

I recommend ordering the vanilla beans in bulk because if you plan on going to whole foods and buying that overpriced bean in that fancy jar, you'd be better off buying their extract as well because you are going to turn yourself bankrupt.... I ordered 12 beans for 10 dollars!




Technique:
Slice your beans down the center and scrape out all the little seeds. Shovel them into your jar along with your alcohol and the whole bean. Screw the lid on tight and store in a dark place for 6 weeks. Give it a good shake whenever you remember...

As for these classic amber bottles, I ordered them on http://www.specialtybottle.com/.
Unfortunately you will pay more for shipping than the bottles themselves....


Makes a great gift too!
Enjoy!