March 22, 2011

Making Vanilla!

 Alright, when I saw the my sister-in-law was making her own vanilla with a bottle of Vodka, I thought she was a little nutty.

Then, I went to the cupboard and looked at my imitation vanilla in the cupboard.  Ingredient list was Water, alcohol, vanilla bean extractives, and sugar.  Interesting! 

So, I went a did some looking at how to make a more PURE vanilla.  I checked out my sister-in-law's info and HER sister-in-laws info.  From there, I ordered my vanilla beans from Olive Nation.  I paid $13.46 total for 16 beans.  (Free Shipping!)

When I received the beans, it took me several days to get up the strength to go to the store and buy vodka!  When I did, I felt I needed to explain why I was buying it!  The cashier said, "Honey, I don't judge!".  But, I'm a God-fearin' woman, who doesn't drink this stuff!  I promise!!!  I'm sure after doing this a few times, I won't feel the need to explain, but this day I did...


I got home and put my stuff together!  I cut the beans long ways with my kitchen scissors.  And stuck all 16 in the vanilla.  I think I saw where you put 10 or 12 in but I got 16 so I thought I might as well use them all and maybe it will last longer!  You can continue to reuse your beans for several more batches of vanilla! 




After only a day and a half, this is what the beans looked like!


You should let the beans sit, for 4-6 weeks.  It has been ONE week for me so far, and it has darkened dramatically AND already smells heavenly!  I can hardly wait!

When are YOU gonna make yourself some???  :)

10 comments:

Alla said...

I've been going to try this but I just can't make myself go buy the vodka! I don't drink either but I guess I will just have to make myself do it. (Buy the Vodka LOL) It is so much less expensive and I don't like using Imitation either. Just wonder if they have organic vodka.

Sarah said...

Alla- I know what you mean! I don't know if they DO make organic vodka! I did buy American Made Quadruple Distilled... SOUNDED better then the others!

I just hoped I didn't see anyone I knew so I didn't have to explain that the Vodka was for making Vanilla... Likely story! :P

Missouri Gal said...

How cool! I must try this!

Megan said...

Glad you're trying it!! I hate buying the stuff too but the vanilla is so good you just have to!!

Genesa said...

You won't want to go back to the imitation stuff! (I hear you on buying the vodka!!)

This last time I bought beans I tried something new...I poured some vodka into 2 pint jars and divided my beans equally between them. When it's done I'll dump it into something easy to pour, and start my next batch right away in the pint jars. The first time I did it, when I ran out I didn't have any vanilla waiting to use. (does that make sense?) I think this should fix that problem. (of course maybe I'm the only one who's ever had this problem!!) =) I've also read that you should wait 6 months until you use it, I don't know if I will wait that long, it almost seems too long!!

Kristy said...

That is so cool! And probably tastes way better than the store bought vanilla!
I think I'd make it just for a decoration, it also looks amazing!

Farmchick said...

Ihave done this in the past and it is wonderful!!! You are right...it smells sooooooooo good.

Hop on over for a visit.....join in the fun of Farm Photo Friday at my blog where you add any photos that you have taken on the farm, ranch, in your garden or just out in the country!! Would love to have you play along. :)

Covnitkepr1 said...

I’ve been following and enjoying your blog "beautiful 2 God" for a while now, but think I'll move my following over here.
Think I'll try making my own vanilla also.

I would like to invite you to visit and perhaps follow me back. Sorry I took so long for the invitation.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

I followed a link of a link of a link...and ended up here! I just had to comment to tell you that having to buy vodka is the very reason I don't make MY own vanilla too!! That is so funny... Maybe I can work up the nerve and just do it...but guaranteed I'll be explaining myself too!

AveryRay said...

I think this is an excellent idea. I would like to try this out for myself. But your right, buying the vodka would be the hardest thing for me to do as well. Thanks for the great step by step instructions.