Vanilla extract is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, used to add a sweet, rich flavor to baked goods, desserts, and even savory dishes. While it can be purchased in stores, making homemade vanilla extract is a rewarding and cost-effective alternative. This article provides two simple recipes for homemade vanilla extract: one using vodka and the other using rum. Both recipes use a combination of vanilla beans, sugar, and the chosen alcohol to create a flavorful extract that can be used in a variety of culinary creations.
Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!
VANILLA EXTRACT
A gift always gets extra points if it's homemade. Start now and you can have vanilla extract on hand, ready to bestow on lucky bakers in December.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Slice vanilla beans lengthwise and cover with vodka (use 1 cup for every 2 beans). Seal and store in a cool place, shaking occasionally, for 2 months before using.
VANILLA EXTRACT
Provided by Ina Garten
Time 3m
Yield 1 bottle
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Combine the vanilla beans and vodka in a jar tall enough to hold the vanilla beans. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for at least a month until the vodka becomes vanilla extract and the beans are soft enough to cut the end and squeeze the seeds out. Add more vanilla or beans, as needed. The extract can sit at room temperature indefinitely.
HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
Homemade vanilla is fun to give in decorative bottles with attractive labels. Share it with special friends who like to cook or bake. -Becky Jo Smith, Kettle Falls, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 5m
Yield 2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Place vanilla beans in a tall jar; cover with vodka. Seal jar tightly. Let stand in a cool dark place at least 6 weeks, gently shaking jar once a week.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 11 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 0 sodium, Carbohydrate 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
Homemade vanilla extract! What could be better and cheaper! I use Madagascar vanilla beans.
Provided by RE_BEKAH
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes
Time P21DT5m
Yield 200
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Place the vanilla beans in the bottle of vodka and seal. Store in a cool, dark area such as a kitchen cabinet for 3 weeks, shaking the bottle every week. Three weeks is the minimum, store it 6 months for the best flavor. After using, replace with more vodka. The same beans will continue to flavor the vanilla for up to a year.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 13.6 calories, Carbohydrate 0.7 g, Sugar 0.7 g
VANILLA POUND CAKE
How sweet it is-pound cake from scratch in three simple steps! We've added vanilla to our recipe for an extra hint of flavor!
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 6-cup (8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch) loaf pan; set aside.
- Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; add vanilla and salt. With mixer on low, gradually add flour, beating just until combined (do not overmix).
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour (tent with aluminum foil if browning too quickly). Let cool in pan 15 minutes. Invert onto a wire rack, and turn upright to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 450 g, Fat 26 g, Protein 7 g
HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT
This extract is best if steeped for two months or longer. Use this recipe to make our Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Yield Makes 1 cup
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Place vanilla beans in a clean jar with lid. Pour vodka over beans, and place lid on jar. Allow to sit in a cool dark place for 3 to 5 months, shaking jar occasionally.
VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP
This recipe for vanilla simple syrup should be used when making Vanilla Egg Cream.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Yield Makes 1 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Let cool completely. Stir in vanilla extract.
VANILLA MARSHMALLOWS
Give homemade marshmallows to friends and family this holiday season. Also Try:Peppermint Marshmallows
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes about 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Lightly spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 10 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; boil rapidly for 1 minute. Remove from heat, and, with the mixer on high, slowly pour the boiling syrup down the side of the mixer bowl into gelatin mixture. Add salt and continue mixing for 12 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds; mix until well combined. Spray a rubber spatula or your hands with cooking spray. Spread gelatin mixture evenly into pan using prepared spatula or your hands. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place, spray side down, on top of marshmallows. Let stand for 2 hours.
- Carefully remove marshmallows from pan. Remove all plastic wrap and discard. Cut marshmallows into 2-inch squares using a sprayed sharp knife. Place confectioners' sugar in a large bowl. Working in batches, add marshmallows to bowl and toss to coat.
Tips:
- Use high-quality vanilla beans: The quality of the vanilla beans you use will greatly impact the flavor of your extract. Look for plump, moist beans that are dark brown or black in color. Avoid beans that are dry, brittle, or have mold or discoloration.
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise: This will help to release the maximum amount of flavor from the beans. You can use a sharp knife or a pair of kitchen shears to split the beans.
- Use a high-proof alcohol: Vodka is the most commonly used alcohol for making vanilla extract, but you can also use rum, bourbon, or brandy. The higher the proof of the alcohol, the more flavor it will extract from the beans.
- Store the extract in a cool, dark place: Once you have made your vanilla extract, store it in a cool, dark place. This will help to preserve the flavor and quality of the extract.
- Shake the extract regularly: This will help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the extract.
Conclusion:
Making your own vanilla extract is a great way to save money and get a high-quality product. It's also a fun and rewarding project. With a little patience, you can create a delicious and flavorful extract that you can use to enhance all your favorite recipes.
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