Homemade Vanilla Extract (Make now for Christmas Gifts & Holiday Baking)
Homemade vanilla extract is a perfect holiday gift to give that is something almost anyone can use, but very much appreciated by home bakers.
Do you know that feeling when you realize Christmas is around the corner and you’re so unprepared? This homemade vanilla extract can help deal with many last minute gifts when that time comes.
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Maybe this is the opportunity that you’d wished you’d acted upon when December 15th rolls around this year, and you realize there are lots of little gifts you need to hand out, here and there, but you “got nuthin'”.
Here’s another idea to make for a holiday gift.
Taking a few minutes now, will save yourself a lot of stress then. Well, I’m sure the title gave it away, but you can come across like a totally organized, thoughtful and creative friend/relative/boss/employee/colleague/client/student or whatever it is that you are, by handing someone a lovely, bottle of homemade vanilla extract as a gift this holiday season.
Now, I know this isn’t the perfect gift for everyone, like maybe your mechanic? He (call me sexist, but I bet your mechanic is a “he”) probably isn’t the best person to give a bottle of vanilla (unless he’s a passionate foodie). However, I bet there are a lot of people who would really appreciate this thoughtful present.
All you need are bottles, vanilla beans, vodka and 5 minutes–seriously! Okay, you have to wait a few months before it’s ready, but can you imagine how you’ll feel when December 15th rolls around you just need to throw a bow around the neck of a bottle? Or toss it in a cute little gift bag and you have a gorgeous homemade gift to give!
How cool is that? But do it now, as the vanilla beans need 4 to 6 months to flavor the vodka. I made some in February, so it’s now ready to use and it smells heavenly!
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Special equipment: small bottles FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- vanilla pods
- good quality vodka
Special equipment: bottles
Directions
Carefully, slit the vanilla pods open with a sharp knife.
Drop into the vodka, straight into the mini bottle (200 ml) of vodka, or into your own bottle(s).
Close the bottle and leave in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 months before using.
This is what the vanilla in progress will look like after just a few days…
…and after a few months.
You can thank me in December, and you don’t even have to tell anyone it was my idea–aren’t I nice? :)
(By the way, can someone tell me why it’s not “amn’t I”?)
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Homemade Vanilla Extract (Make now for Christmas Gifts & Holiday Baking)
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 vanilla pods (per bottle)
- 7 oz vodka good quality(I used Belvedere)
Instructions
- Carefully, slit the vanilla pods open with a sharp knife.
- Drop into the vodka, straight into the mini bottle (200 ml) of vodka, or into your own bottle(s).
- Close the bottle and leave in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 months before using.
Notes
- These bottles of vanilla make excellent gifts.
Nutrition
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Awesome! Will definitely do this! By the way, my daughter used to say “amn’t I” all the time when she was little. :)
Ooh, that looks great! I may try this! Thank you. And thank you for the pink peppercorn/tree-nut article, because that is what brought me here. Someone shared it in No Nuts Moms Group Support Group and Forum. Maybe you would like to check it out. It is a private group. I love your blog.:)
So pretty. I’ve never heard of vodka for homemade vanilla, I usually use bourbon but I bet vodka’s super yummy too. Maybe I’ll get organized enough this year to make these to hand out during the holidays.
Good luck, Jennifer! I know it’s hard to get organized early, but so nice when you do make it happen! :) CC
I am like Pic Make now for Christmas Gifts & Holiday Baking I was looking for gift ideas, and this is perfect! Thank you! for your share
You are so welcome, Tashkir! So glad you found my post! :) CC
NIce!! I’m glad I saw this, I was looking for gift ideas, and this is perfect! Thank you!
Glad to be of service, Cathleen! ;)
Hi Christina,
I can tell that you are very organized person as you are thinking of preparing Christmas gifts now! I’m never that organized! Geez… I made my own vanilla extract and I think the homemade ones are the best so far :D
Zoe
I used to be organized, a LONG time ago! I think having children messes up the organization thing! :) Have a good day! CC
I’m going to make this now! Just received the vanilla pods and the vodkas waiting!
Thankyou ❤️
Awesome! It’s so easy!
This sounds wonderful – I’m making this now!!
Mary x
Good for you, Mary! Thank you so much for letting me know-I appreciate it! ;) CC
Thank you! I love this. Maybe this will be The Year I Get Organized Early for Christmas!
So happy you love this! Yes, I hope you have a less stressful and more organized Christmas, as I hope I do too! ;) Enjoy! CC