Recipe of the Month — Bourbon Vanilla Extract

Bourbon Vanilla Extract

Welcome back for another monthly recipe. This month I decided that I needed to do something and since I am one for sharing, I thought this is something easy that you can do at home by yourself or with your family. This month we are making Vanilla Extract. One more month that is not directly related to the market or what is in season, but something fun that will last an incredibly long amount of time. This is a recipe that you really only need to make once per year or if you want to “cook in bulk,” without the cooking, you can make several bottles at once. 

Vanilla Extract is normally used with a solvent alcohol on an industrial level, but in homes it is commonly used with vodka, as most vodka does not have a strong flavor, is inexpensive, and allows for the vanilla to really speak out. I enjoy the flavors and complexity of the bourbon and I originally had an issue or concern with the term bourbon vanilla beans. I get into more of that on my podcast. But for that and other reasons (me being in/from Kentucky) when I first made it, I used bourbon. Vanilla extract can get expensive in the store, so why not make your own. It just takes a long time to wait for it to be ready. 

To learn more about me and these recipes, check out The Farm to Body Wellness Podcast. For the June 7th episode, we talk about extracts and tinctures and my experience making vanilla extract over the years! Whether or not you go to the podcast, check out this month’s recipe and make it fun. You can always adapt these recipes however you like! This week does not have too many ingredients, but you can change the alcohol if you want?

Ingredients:

The Beans

  • 5 Vanilla Beans

The Alcohol

  • 16oz Alcohol (Bourbon)

The Bottle “Not an ingredient”

  • 1 flip top (preferably) and dark (preferably) 16oz bottle

**Disclaimer: Recipes for cooking do not have to be exact in quantity or ingredient. If you have a different oil, type of salt, or any other ingredient, please use what you have. Enjoy!

Instructions:

Step 1: Slice the vanilla beans in halves.

Step 2: Scrape out the middle (seeds) of the beans.

Step 3: Place the beans and the seeds in the glass bottle.

Step 4: Add the alcohol or bourbon and seal the bottle.

Step 5: Shake every day or a couple times a week for 10-20 seconds per session for 8-12 months. You can open it front time to time to see how much vanilla you spell versus the alcohol

Step 6: When it seems ready, it probably is. You can use it like you would use vanilla extract from the store. Enjoy!!

**Again, you can make as many bottles as you want at one time!! I made four bottles this time!!

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