Essence of Vanilla
Discover the art of homemade flavor with this simple yet luxurious "Essence of Vanilla" recipe, a DIY vanilla extract that will elevate all your baking endeavors. Crafted with just two ingredients—plump, aromatic vanilla beans and smooth vodka—this recipe is a delightful venture into natural flavor creation. With only 10 minutes of prep time, the magic happens as the ingredients steep together over eight weeks, transforming into a rich, dark, and intensely fragrant extract that will enhance everything from cookies to cakes. Stored in airtight jars, this homemade vanilla extract offers an affordable and customizable alternative to store-bought options, with the option of leaving the beans for ongoing infusion. Perfect for serious bakers, gifting, or simply upgrading your pantry essentials, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to bring pure, aromatic vanilla essence into their kitchen.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 5 whole pods Vanilla beans
- 1 cup Vodka
Instructions
1. Prepare your vanilla beans by splitting each pod lengthwise with a sharp knife, exposing the flavorful seeds inside.
2. Place the split vanilla beans into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle large enough to hold both the beans and the liquid.
3. Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.
4. Secure the lid tightly on the jar or bottle, and give it a gentle shake to mix.
5. Store the jar in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for at least 8 weeks, shaking it gently once a week to help the extraction process.
6. After 8 weeks, the liquid will have transformed into a dark, richly aromatic vanilla extract. You can choose to strain out the beans for a clear extract or leave them in for ongoing infusion.
7. Transfer the vanilla extract to smaller bottles for convenience, and label them if desired. The essence of vanilla is now ready for use in your favorite recipes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
614 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.5 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 7 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2.5 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.5 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 5 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 35 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
