Ina Garten Vanilla Extract Recipe
Making homemade vanilla extract is surprisingly simple. The Ina Garten Vanilla Extract Recipe is perfect for home cooks.
Equipment
- Glass jar with tight lid
- Measuring cup
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Dark storage space
Ingredients
- 3 vanilla beans Madagascar or Tahitian
- 1 cup vodka or bourbon
Instructions
- Split each vanilla bean lengthwise with a knife.
- Leave the ends connected together.
- This releases the tiny seeds inside.
- The seeds contain all the vanilla flavor.
- Put the split vanilla beans into your glass jar.
- Make sure they fit comfortably inside.
- Push them down gently to the bottom.
- Pour the vodka over the vanilla beans.
- Make sure the beans are completely covered.
- The alcohol extracts all the vanilla goodness.
- Close the jar tightly with the lid.
- Store it in a dark, cool place.
- A kitchen cabinet works perfectly for this.
- Let the mixture sit for 8 weeks minimum.
- Shake the jar once every week.
- This helps the extraction process along.
- The liquid will turn dark brown.
- After 8 weeks, your vanilla extract is ready.
- You can start using it right away.
- Keep adding vodka as you use it.
- The beans will last for years.
Notes
- Use high-quality vanilla beans for best results.
- Grade A beans work wonderfully here.
- Buy beans online for better prices.
- Don't use cheap vodka or alcohol.
- It affects the final taste badly.
- Store in amber or dark glass bottles.
- Light can damage the vanilla flavor.
- Label your jar with the starting date.
- This helps you track the aging process.
- Make multiple jars at once as gifts.
- Everyone loves homemade vanilla extract.
- Refill your jar when it gets low.
- The beans keep working for years.