I make my own vanilla extract because it’s just 2 ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. In the picture above, my new batch is the one on the left. My “almost-all-gone” batch is on the right. All that it takes is some time, but it’s worth it. The extract I started this morning will darken to match my old one in about a month. I buy my whole vanilla beans on Amazon and, as a youth pastor’s wife, I discreetly bought some vodka at Sam’s 🙂 The good news is that the one bottle of vodka will last through a few batches.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

• 10 whole vanilla beans

• 1 1/2 cups vodka

Place vodka in a mason jar. Slice each bean lengthwise just to slightly open the bean so the flavor can release. Place beans into vodka and fold if necessary to immerse as much as possible. Place lid on top and seal securely. Shake once a week until it is darkened in color. I leave the beans in until I completely use the extract up.