If you do a lot of baking, you probably know how expensive good quality vanilla extract can be. It is not uncommon to pay more than $5 for a small bottle, of pure vanilla, these days.

I guess that isn’t all that unseasonable when you take into consideration that vanilla beans are still hand pollinated and the entire production process, from planting to landing on your grocers’ shelf, can take five to six years!

Even so, you would think that by purchasing 100% pure vanilla extract, you would get a product made with top-quality vanilla beans, right? Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

Commercial vanilla extract is normally made with lower grade or broken beans. These beans are not suitable to sell, otherwise.

Vanilla beans can be purchased at many health food stores, grocery stores and at online merchants.

(At the time of this writing, Silver Cloud Estates is offering to send potential customers a free vanilla bean. You pay just .98 for shipping. That’s a petty good deal, in my book!)

You can easily make your own extract, at home. The following recipe makes quite a large quantity of vanilla. Consider dividing the batch up among smaller, decorative, bottles and giving as part of housewarming or holiday gifts.

Cut 12 – 18 vanilla beans, into small pieces. Add to a fifth of high-quality vodka. (Minus ½ cup.) Store the bottle in a dark cupboard or closet, shaking every three or four days. Extract should steep for at least 8 weeks… if you can wait that long!

To use, strain homemade extract through a paper towel or coffee filter. Pour into a small jar with tight fitting lid.

The remaining vanilla will get stronger, with age. Continue to store fifth in a cool, dark place. Shake, occasionally.

Believe it or not, you can use the same vanilla beans to make a second batch of extract. When initial vanilla is gone, re-fill bottle halfway with vodka. Steep, shake every few days and wait.

I guarantee, the second batch will turn out just as great as the first. Yummy!!

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