HANDMADE HOLIDAYS: VANILLA EXTRACT RECIPE

Did you know that you can make your own vanilla extract?  It is a perfect gift option for your food-loving friends!

This is quick and simple to put together, but you do have to give it a bit of time for the flavor to mature.  Be sure to tell the recipient how to take care of it while they wait to use it!

Gather your materials:

3-5 vanilla beans, 8 ounces of vodka or rum, glass jar

You will need to cut the tips of off each vanilla bean and score it gently down the middle with a knife.  Don’t cut the bean in half, as you are just trying to expose the center of the bean.

Place your beans in a glass jar (mason jars will work well for this recipe) and then add your beans.  Cover with a lid.

You will need to wait approximately 6 weeks before using the vanilla, and during that time be sure to gently shake the jars at least twice a week.

Once you are using your vanilla and it starts running out you can continue to add vodka or rum to replenish it.  Do this until the vanilla taste fades and then make some more!

BTW, be sure to have some fun decorating your jars.  Gather some materials such as ribbon, twine, small decorative items, tape and glue.  Experiment and don’t go for perfection.  Just add some pretty Christmas color to the jars and gift them to your friends.

They are sure to be appreciated!

Sources for materials:

You can find vanilla beans at Beanilla, Mountain Rose Herbs, Amazon and Etsy.  I bought mine at my local health food store.

For the jars and items to decorate them try Hobby Lobby or Michael’s.  Both have excellent sales and I always download Hobby Lobby’s 40% off coupon before I go shopping.

Have a lovely day, friends!

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