Making Vanilla Extract: Part 1

Thanks Warren for this awesome idea!

Why make vanilla extract when you can buy it in the store?! By making your own vanilla its cheaper (per volume), you can make large quantities of extract and you can choose what type of vanilla bean you can make your extract from. Here is the step by step process: Vanilla extract recipe . This is from the Instructables website (you can find the link in our favorite links section of our blog).

The first step is to pick your vanilla bean from which your extract will be made. We decided to go with the Cobra Vanilla Bean (Beanilla.com) mainly because it was one of the cheaper beans ( 4oz. for $10). For our first attempt at this we didn't want to invest all our money and not have it work out. It took about 1 week for our beans to arrive.
Note: To make 1 cup of extract you need 6 vanilla beans.
The second step is to pick the bottles you will make the extract in as well as the Vodka you'll use to make the extract. Be sure to use 70-80 proof vodka. We decided to use the "picnic" wine bottles because they hold exactly one cup of liquid. To prepare the bottles, place them (with the tops on) in a pot of boiling water for 30min. You also want to include the knives you will use in this pot of boiling water. Let the bottles cool before use.
Note: do not use knives with plastic handles!

The third step is to remove the caviar from the bean. We found it easier to cut the bean in half and then extract the caviar. Place the caviar in the bottle first and then put all six beans in the bottle. Add the 1 cup of vodka, close the lid and shake.

You want to place the bottles in a cool, dark and dry place. We labeled our bottles, like the good scientists we are, with the date we made the extract. Now we just wait for a few weeks before we can taste the extract. STAY TUNED.........