Vanilla Extract DIY and GIVEAWAY!

As you know, I’m a cooking queen.  I probably use a GALLON of vanilla extract every year.  And I’m not kidding, that stuff gets expensive quick.  Even the imitation vanilla!  A few years back I found an awesome DIY for vanilla extract, and I’ve shared it over on www.couponclipinista.com before, but I realized I haven’t shared it here.

So, without further adieu, I give you my vanilla extract recipe:

5 vanilla beans (I used to say 4, but I've been told that 5 is the right ratio!)

1 cup vodka or rum (Grain vodka, not potato vodka)

Jar

Take the vanilla beans, split them lengthwise, and put them into the jar.  Pour the vodka or rum over the vanilla beans, and put that jar in a dark, dry place and walk away.  You're done!  Well, almost.  You have to let it sit and get happy.

I usually let mine sit for at least a month before using it.  You shake it every day, but don’t use it till at least a month has passed.  For gifts, I let it sit six months, that way it’s ready and rich and full of flavor when they get it!

Now, I always buy my beans through www.beanilla.com.  I’m telling you, I can’t afford vanilla beans at the grocery store.  Beanilla has awesome prices on vanilla beans, vanilla paste, and everything else vanilla.  Their shipping is extraordinarily fast, and the customer service is awesome.  Trust me on this.  Beanilla is the best.

And, to help someone get started on their own vanilla extract, I’m giving away two vanilla beans from Beanilla!

a Rafflecopter giveaway