In need of a gift for someone who loves to bake? Those who love to bake know that vanilla is an essential ingredient in baking. How about making some homemade vanilla extract? Good quality vanilla can make good desserts GREAT! I never buy imitation anything and certainly an imitation vanilla will take a great recipe and make it well, much less than great! While making my audition disk for NBC, Alex Ferguson from Epic Realm Productions would chuckle as I “pleaded” with people to not use imitation vanilla-he quickly learned why it was so important each time he took a bite of my baked goods! : – )

Anyone who loves to bake (or loves to eat the baked goods…smile) knows that a really good vanilla extract can be costly, so this would be such a thoughtful gift. Making homemade vanilla extract is super simple and it looks so pretty in a glass jar. it is very economical as well! Your family or friends would feel loved knowing that you made this special gift just for them!

Pure vanilla extract is made by macerating/percolating vanilla beans in a solution of ethyl alcohol and water. When choosing your vanilla beans, regardless of where they come from, they should have a rich, full aroma, be oily to the touch and sleek in appearance. Beans to avoid are those with very little scent, are smoky, brittle or dry or are mildewed.

Homemade vanilla Extract

Six 4-ounce Glass Bottles
12 Whole Vanilla Beans (Madagascar is best)
3 cups unflavored vodka

Wash the bottles and caps in hot, soapy water and allow to air dry.
Using a sharp knife, slit each vanilla bean lengthwise stopping 1/4-inch from each end.
Cut each bean in half crosswise, giving you 24 pieces.
Place 4 pieces of vanilla (2 beans) in each bottle.
Using a funnel, pour 1/2 cup of vodka into each bottle and push the beans down to submerge.
Screw the caps on tightly and place the bottles in a cool, dark place to steep. The vanilla will be ready for initial use in 6 weeks, but 8 weeks is optimal for the most flavor.

Tie a pretty ribbon and label around the neck of the bottle!