That probably got your attention…

I make my own vanilla extract. I started doing it because I got a very good deal on two vanilla beans–the prime ingredient in making vanilla extract for baking. I had some Canadian Whiskey sitting around (No idea where it came from. It has been in the cupboard for years). Sliced the vanilla, added to the bottle, and after shaking for a few days, I had my very own, VERY aromatic vanilla extract. I think I made about a cup of extract for the small price of 4 dollars (the two vanilla beans). But I ran out. Woe!

Back to the cupboard. Well, we had some light rum sitting around and some dark rum as well. I don’t like rum and neither does husband. No idea where it came from. It’s been there for years and we’ve even moved it once. Anyway, any liquor that is high in alcohol content works for making extract. I wasn’t too certain about having the rum flavor in there, but I figured I’d just add an extra vanilla bean to cover it up. :>)

The recipe is pretty easy:

2 vanilla beans
1 cup of whiskey or other high alcohol rated liquor.

Cut the vanilla beans every 2 inches or so and then slice down the middle. Try not to lose too much of the little “seeds” inside. You want those in the whiskey. Add the beans to the whiskey, shake and let sit for about two weeks. Shake the concoction twice a day or whenever you think of it.

It will be the best vanilla extract you’ve ever had. Commercial varieties these days add water and sometimes sugar. Either ingredient dilutes the pure vanilla goodness. The beans smell like the best of the best vanilla ice cream. Good stuff.

I bought my beans at Boston Vanilla Bean Company. Their service was excellent, shipment timely and check out the packing that was used. The beans were individually wrapped and then packaged in capped vials. There was some bubble wrap in the box too. Highly recommended.

Making your own vanilla tastes better and unless you go out and buy premium whiskey or scotch, it will be cheaper than buying a commercial brand. It’s easy too. I wish you could smell this stuff. It’s awesome.