Homemade Vanilla Extract & Giveaway…

by Jamie on August 19, 2009

As a self-professed baking addict, I use a lot of vanilla extract! If you haven’t purchased it recently, you may not realize how expensive this stuff is. I pay $6.99 for a small bottle of store brand pure vanilla extract, however, I occasionally indulge in the good stuff which is upwards of $15 a bottle. When Rob from Beanilla told me that I could make my own extract with vanilla beans, I was all over that concept and headed to the liquor store. Being that I am not huge drinker, liquor stores overwhelm me, but I love looking at all the fancy shmancy bottles. They even make me wish I could handle liquor…I long to sip a dirty martini or glass of wine without the room spinning, me making an ass out of myself and a hangover. However, it is what it is so, I will buy bottles of vodka for extract and continue sipping virgin pina coladas with extra whipped cream!

Now for the extract…
Ingredients:
-Sterilized Jar or Bottle with a tight, secure lid (I picked mine up at World Market)
-Vanilla Beans in your favorite variety (rule of thumb is 1 bean per 1/3 cup of alcohol) I used 2 Mexican Vanilla Beans for 2/3 cup vodka
-Vodka (I used Stoli, but I have read you can also use Bourbon, Rum and Brandy)

1. Use a knife to spilt the bean in half, but leave an inch at each end attached.

2. Put your vanilla beans in your glass bottle or jar and cover with vodka.

3. Close jar or bottle and store in a cool, dry place for at least three months and give the bottle a shake every now and then.

* In the last photo, the bottle on the left was made one week ago, the one on the right was made today. As you use your extract, you can refill the bottle with additional vodka and beans to replenish your supply! I think this homemade extract would make perfect little holiday gift for friends!

Remember to use the code “bakingaddiction” during checkout for 10% off all orders at Beanilla.

Giveaway…
Leave a comment on this post telling me something about vanilla…a recipe, a favorite variety…whatever you want. I will choose one person on Sunday evening and send you five Beanilla Beans and a glass bottle so you can make your own extract…you’ll just have to buy your own vodka! If you tweet about this post using @bakingaddiction plus a giveaway link, you can enter a second time by submitting another comment here about the tweet!

The Rules
1.) Open to USA & Canada residents only.
2.) Two winners will be chosen on 8/23/09 by using random.org.
3.) Make sure that I have a way to contact you when you leave a comment; either through your blog or an email.
4.) One comment per person, please. Plus one *tweet entry; totaling 2 entries per person.
5.) I will contact the winners via email or commenting on the winner’s site.
6.) You have until 8/26/09 to claim the giveaway, or I will have to choose another winner.

Fine Print…this giveaway is brought to you by yours truly!


{ 129 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Jamie August 19, 2009 at 6:24 am

Oh, Jamie, I live in France so I cannot enter and win. But I truly love vanilla and make a point of adding it to every single baked good I make – even if recipe doesn't call for it.

Your bottles are gorgeous. And who woulda thunk making vanilla extract from vodka? Wow!

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2 Shortbread City August 19, 2009 at 6:38 am

When people order a chocolate dessert from me, they don't realize how much VANILLA there is in it!!! Vanilla elevates the flavor of chocolate to another level–giving it depth and richness. I ♥ YOU, VANILLA!!!

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3 Shortbread City August 19, 2009 at 6:48 am

Just posted a vanilla scented tweet for you…

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4 Bethie August 19, 2009 at 7:16 am

Vanilla bean extract is next on my list. You don't have to include me in your contest, because you know I am already hooked on Beanilla!!

PS-I have extract from them on the way!

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5 lobsterandfishsticks August 19, 2009 at 7:17 am

I love this idea! I have been wanting to try it for a while! I also tweeted it (from ThinnerLobster) ;)

Pam @ lobsterandfishsticks.com

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6 TeaLady August 19, 2009 at 7:22 am

Making my own extract would be so cooooool. It has gotten expensive and I look forward to finding a bottle of Mexican Vainilla when I can.

Thanks for the chance.

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7 heaventrees August 19, 2009 at 7:37 am

For those who like Mexican Vanilla and are looking for it: I found it at Walmart of all places. They have a Mexican food section and the vanilla is there, Molina brand. The price wasn't bad at all.

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8 Chuck August 19, 2009 at 8:05 am

I am in the process of making my own vanilla as well. I put mine up on 7/29. I was told that if I use about a 1/4 of the bottle, refill it with vodka and then let it sit, I can repeat this over and over for about 20 years. At least that is what I was told. I am looking forward to never having to buy vanilla extract again. And I agree, it will make a nice gift. I may start looking for some smaller bottles to decant for presents at the holidays.

As for a recipe for the contest: Well, I am starting to explore the world of savory and vanilla. I have some vanilla barbecue sauce at home that is really good. The vanilla doesn't stand out tasting the sauce until it has come off the grill. Savory foods and vanilla – that is the next frontier for me.

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9 Adam and Julia August 19, 2009 at 8:30 am

I love, love, love vanilla in everything! I always double it in recipes! I try to buy huge bottles when we vacation in Mexico. The one I have right now (enormous bottle) is almost out, so I'm happy to learn how to make my own!
-Julia

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10 kmarkners August 19, 2009 at 8:57 am

I love vanilla in everything! Vanilla beans are so good! I love the little black specks in foods when I use them. They are calling out from the pantry for me to make something with them now. I have made vanilla extract before. It is SOOOOOOO good! I love that you can refill the bottle for 7 years.

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11 sariyan August 19, 2009 at 9:07 am

* I made this the other day to use up some fruit. It was delicious!

Cherry Pudding

2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening or butter, melted
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups seeded fresh or very well drained frozen or canned cherries
Warm milk, optional

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch square-baking pan. Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add milk, shortening, egg, and vanilla; stir just until combined. Fold in cherries and pour into greased pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center springs back when lightly pressed. Cool 15 minutes. Cut into 6 rectangles and serve warm from pan with warm milk to pour over it, if desired.

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12 Jenni August 19, 2009 at 9:07 am

I love vanilla in everything. I love vanilla ice cream more than any other ice cream.

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13 Jenni August 19, 2009 at 9:10 am

I just tweeted about the giveaway also.

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14 Elaine August 19, 2009 at 9:14 am

I want to get all the beans and things to make my own vanilla for my birthday! You could make it happen sooner!

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15 Katie August 19, 2009 at 9:17 am

I recently made vanilla halvah, and getting plenty of vanilla really makes the flavor of this phenomenal.

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16 Ms. K.I.M. August 19, 2009 at 9:20 am

My favorite ice cream flavor is and has always been Vanilla. What other flavor is there??? :) ~

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17 Heidi August 19, 2009 at 9:37 am

Vanilla is one of my favorite scents and flavors. It blends with, and bolsters, so many other flavors. That said, I am a tea-drinker at heart, and always thought Earl Grey was my favorite. That was until I found a version enhanced with vanilla that stole my heart and taste-buds. Now, I know I shouldn't have been surprised that my two favorites would mingle in my cup so well, but I simply hadn't thought of adding to something I considered ideal. I learned a valuable lesson: vanilla is so wonderful in its normal places, but it deserves to stretch its beans (so to speak). Thank you for having this blog, it's a breath of fresh vanilla air.

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18 Margaret August 19, 2009 at 9:56 am

I LOVE vanilla extract. It was the best thing to happen to baking. I tend to double the amount in a recipe and will add some even when it is not required.

Thanks for hosting this giveaway! What a great idea to make your own!

shen[dot]margaret[at]gmail[dot]com

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19 Merckurybubbles August 19, 2009 at 9:59 am

I think using real vanilla beans really adds somethign special to any recipe that calls for vanilla extract. It's my favorite thing to add when I wanna do something special!

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20 Deborah W August 19, 2009 at 10:08 am

I have never used real vanilla beans myself but at my sister's wedding recently they served a vanilla bean cheesecake that was truly the best thing I've EVER eaten. I was shameful and had 3 pieces!!! Would love to try the beans and making the homemade extract.

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21 Jessica August 19, 2009 at 10:09 am

I plan on vanilla extract and vanilla sugar for our christmas exchange. What a great gift for bakers!

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22 Christine August 19, 2009 at 10:30 am

i love vanilla, but you're right when you say it's expensive! every vanilla purchase is a bittersweet departure with my money, haha! but i always know it's worth every cent. (mailckimATgmailDOTcom)

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23 Kim August 19, 2009 at 10:36 am

This sounds like fun. I love to put vanilla in pancake and waffle batter.

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24 Raspberry August 19, 2009 at 10:46 am

I tend to buy a very large bulk size of vanilla at Costco, which lasts maybe a year…I've always wanted to try homemade vanilla, but have never gotten the guts to try. :)

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25 keri August 19, 2009 at 10:50 am

I love vanilla in most everything! Good old chocolate chip cookies have to be my favorite, though – the type of vanilla you use really makes a difference! I have always bought Watkins, but recently ran out and switched to McCormick – the taste of the cookies totally changed!

I'm excited about the giveaway – I would love to make my own vanilla extract instead of having to constantly search for the right kind!

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26 Julia August 19, 2009 at 10:56 am

Yum! I plan on making my own vanilla very soon… great idea! I love to put it in everything.

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27 Mandee Jo August 19, 2009 at 11:09 am

I've been wanting to make vanilla extract and vanilla sugar since I moved into my own place 8 months ago. So far I've felt too guilty to splurge on vanilla beans. I'd love to win some though!

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28 Kristilyn (The Domestic Goddess) August 19, 2009 at 11:09 am

How long would this keep for? Do you have to boil the jars at all or keep them hot?

Personally, I love vanilla … vanilla cupcakes topped with vanilla icing. Plain, simple, but delicious. I've used vanilla beans a few times and loved it … I'm cheap so I always buy the artificial stuff. :-(

K

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29 Teresa August 19, 2009 at 11:10 am

I love the smell of vanilla. It reminds me of my mother! I had no idea I could make my own. This is my vanilla story: about 5 years ago I wanted to make vanilla ice cream using vanilla beans. They were a bit expensive for me so I kept putting off buying them. When I finally did, my daughter found them and fed them to our neighbors horse!
TRigell at aol dot com

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30 Kerstin August 19, 2009 at 11:30 am

Vanilla extract just makes everything better when you're baking in my opinion :) I get a huge jar of it from Costco but have never tried using real beans before.

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31 Jenna Z August 19, 2009 at 11:33 am

Oh, yum! I had a friend years ago who would go to Mexico to visit relatives and bring me back the STRONGEST, most fantastic vanilla extract! But extract on demand is even better! Gotta love DIY!

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32 malarkey August 19, 2009 at 11:44 am

MMMMMMM!!!! Love vanilla.
Favorite thing to do with a vanilla bean – put it in a bottle of real maple syrup, let it sit for a week and then pour over…everything!
YUMMY

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33 Estee Renee August 19, 2009 at 12:14 pm

blue cattle truck mexican vanilla… YUM!!! i love vanilla in EVERYTHING! seriously…

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34 Terre August 19, 2009 at 12:14 pm

I love using vanilla behind my ears like my grandma use to do….reminds me of her whenever I do it and my grandkids love to give me hugs when I wear it….will give them a memory of me later on whenever they smell vanilla.

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35 NikiTheo August 19, 2009 at 12:17 pm

I love love love anything vanilla! Everything I make, including chocolate stuff has vanilla in it! cake, brownies, cheesecake, everything. I always use it when making fruit desserts as well, it is fantastic w/ cherry and raspberries especially!

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36 Terre August 19, 2009 at 12:18 pm

I love to use vanilla behind my ears, reminds me of cooking in my grandmothers kitchen and the good times we had and when my grandkids come for a visit they love to give me hugs. Building memories of me to them for later on in life….whenever they smell vanilla they will think of me and smile at the good times we spent in the kitchen.

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37 lcwhitty August 19, 2009 at 12:33 pm

I love Double Strength Pure Vanilla Extract from Penzeys Spices. Contains a whole vanilla bean (in Madagascar Bourbon). Yum! The "twofold" strength adds extra oomph to all my baking goodies. A 4 oz. bottle is $15.95. http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysdoublestrengthvanilla.html

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38 Becky August 19, 2009 at 12:46 pm

I love to bake and I am using vanilla in all my fall baking! Bundts and breads….YUMMY

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39 Em August 19, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Never knew how to make my own vanilla extract – thanks for posting this! I have a bunch of beans a vodka!!

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40 Hilary August 19, 2009 at 1:30 pm

I LOVE vanilla. Mexican vanilla is my absolute FAVE. I've been wanting to purchase from beanilla, but money is tight right now. Would love to try making my own :)

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41 Sere August 19, 2009 at 1:31 pm

thank you soooooooooooooo much!!! I live in Italy and I won't ever find vanilla extract, which is a big problem, for I like making anglo-saxon recipes (which quite often call for vanilla extract)
so I think I am going to make my own vanilla extract as soon as possible :)

ps: I LOVE you blog, recipes, and photos, fantastic!!! :)

xoxo

Serena

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42 carrie August 19, 2009 at 1:35 pm

I've been adding vanilla to my oatmeal. It makes the biggest difference. Adds a little flavor to something healthy but bland.

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43 Ingrid August 19, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Man, you're like the giveaway queen!

I agree with many of your commenters that your bottles are cute. (Note to self, find local World Market Store.)

I've never used real vanilla beans but adore vanilla bean paste. I get the specks and yummy vanilla taste without all the cost!
~ingrid

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44 Shoshana August 19, 2009 at 1:58 pm

What a great idea to make your own vanilla extract. I have a bottle of vanilla rum that I made with vanilla beans we brought back from Tahiti, and it adds amazing depth to baked goods as a simple syrup with its vanilla-rummy goodness.

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45 Connie August 19, 2009 at 1:59 pm

Hi Jamie! I love your blog! My favorite thing to do with vanilla is make Nigella Lawson's doughnut french toast. It smells absolutely heavenly in the morning! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xilJquHmApA

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46 Connie August 19, 2009 at 2:01 pm

just tweeted about your giveaway!

I am @thetinyfig :)

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47 Katrina August 19, 2009 at 2:22 pm

Vanilla ice cream is probably my favorite kind of ice cream. Awesome giveaway.

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48 Memória August 19, 2009 at 2:28 pm

My favorite recipe is homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. YUM! If I weren't on my diet right now, I would have made some already.

Am I still eligible, if I don't plan on purchasing alcohol? :)

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49 k.a.r.e.n August 19, 2009 at 2:36 pm

I love making ice cream with vanilla beans!

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50 k.a.r.e.n August 19, 2009 at 2:38 pm
51 taylorrenee August 19, 2009 at 3:24 pm

My favorite vanilla thing is my vanilla perfume! It's simply called "Vanille" and I get it at Anthropologie. Everyone tells me I smell like I sugar cookie!

I also love to cook with it!

Thanks!

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52 DougandSheilah August 19, 2009 at 3:42 pm

I've heard of making your own vanilla but have never tried. Maybe I should. I just made peach fruit leather with vanilla added and boy did the vanilla make the difference. The final product had a creamy taste to it and my kids loved it.

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53 Linda August 19, 2009 at 4:11 pm

wow…making your own vanilla & infusing it into rum or vodka for a little punch to baking cakes/cups/pies would be very interesting….
thanks for the fun & interesting post!

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54 leslierose August 19, 2009 at 4:23 pm

I remember when I was a little girl baking cookies and getting to the point where you put the vanilla in and smelling it, thinking it was the most devine smell in the world so it must taste good plain. I also remember trying a dab on my finger and finding out it was better left to use in the cookies. ;) I love using vanilla, and one of my favorite places to use it is my morning oatmeal. I add a splash right at the end of cooking and it give it a little something extra.
leslierose at gmail dot com

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55 Courtney d. August 19, 2009 at 5:45 pm

Creme brulee. Delish!!

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56 ButterYum August 19, 2009 at 6:20 pm

If you have a friend or family member who shops at Costco, have them pick up a bottle of their pure vanilla extract – 16oz for less than $6.

I like to put the dried-up used bean pods in a jar with superfine sugar. It makes wonderful vanilla sugar that adds a sweet, subtle vanilla taste and aroma to pasties, cakes, cookies… give it a try!

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57 jillbert August 19, 2009 at 6:25 pm

I like to use the double-strength vanilla from Penzey's. But I'm out of it and out of vanilla beans, so the supplies to make my own vanilla extract would be great!

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58 Abby August 19, 2009 at 7:07 pm

My mom simply drops the beans in the vodka bottle. Works like a charm every time; she's been doing it for years. And she uses it the most in her old-fashioned pound cakes, which people request ALL the time!

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59 Rhonda August 19, 2009 at 7:31 pm

My favorite thing about vanilla? Watching my 11 year old open the vanilla bean bottle to smell it. She gets the greatest look on her face! :-D ~~Rhonda
christmasnotebook.com

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60 Mai August 19, 2009 at 8:14 pm

I could really have some vanilla Haagen Dazs now, but I think I shall have to stave off of that for fear of my waistline.

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61 Crystalia August 19, 2009 at 8:25 pm

I love to use Vanilla in my French Toast mixture… it's just awesome!

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62 BrendaC August 19, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Homemade vanilla just became this year's Christmas gift for my dearest friends! Thanks for the opportunity to win some beautiful beans!

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63 krme4 August 19, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Just yesterday I found a recipe called "Vanilla Caramel Glazed Coffeecake" on the Bigelow Tea website. It looks wonderful, using their Vanilla Caramel Tea Bags steeped for a tea to make the glaze. So it's not traditional but achieving that vanilla flavor in such a way is really intriguing to me.

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64 Nina August 19, 2009 at 10:57 pm

I would love some vanilla beans so I could make homemade vanilla bean ice cream or a vanilla bean bundt cake that I've had my eye on.

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65 Puppydogs August 19, 2009 at 11:18 pm

This looks so easy, like why haven't I done this already…thanks for the idea and the recipe

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66 Kelsey August 20, 2009 at 2:03 am

I've never even thought of making my own vanilla, and I will definitely have to try this!
I will keep a lookout for some cute jars, and buy some beans (since I already have the vodka!!)
Thanks for the awesome post =D

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67 Chaitali August 20, 2009 at 3:03 am

I love vanilla sugar! I sprinkle it on top of breakfast muffins and sugar cookies instead of regular sugar. It elevates them to a whole new level.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

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68 Andrea August 20, 2009 at 5:34 am

I was planning on making vanilla extract for holiday gifts this year, thanks forthe great instructions!

My vanilla "secret" is when I make my chocolate chip cookies I put in 1 1/2 times the vanilla. It makes them delicious!

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69 sjp8987 August 20, 2009 at 5:47 am

In my Economic Botany class, I learned that vanilla beans have no odor or flavor when they are harvested. Both odor and flavor develop during fermentation/curing. It makes me wonder how humans even discovered the process!

sjp8987@gmail.com

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70 sjp8987 August 20, 2009 at 5:48 am

Twitter post accomplished. Here is my second entry!

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71 Bres August 20, 2009 at 6:42 am

I love the bottle you used for the vanilla extract. Such a great gift idea! I love the depth of flavor vanilla beans add to my baking.

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72 The Crew August 20, 2009 at 7:19 am

Absolutely will make my own vanilla now. Used to wait for a family member to bring it back from mexico once a year but this sounds so great. I add vanilla to anything – it's my favorite extract!

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73 G'ma Jan August 20, 2009 at 7:27 am

I use vanilla in so many things that don't normally call for vanilla it would be impossible to list them here, but my favorite is to sprinkle a little pure vanilla over the apples in a homemade apple pie just before topping it with the crust.

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74 Amanda August 20, 2009 at 7:50 am

I've been wanting to try to make my own! Did you know you can make vanilla sugar too? I bet that would be delish added to many a baked good!

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75 CaSaundraLeigh August 20, 2009 at 7:58 am

I love ANYTHING vanilla flavored, especially vanilla pudding or ice cream! :-)

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76 Rita August 20, 2009 at 8:06 am

I LOVE the aroma of vanilla! I add it to my french toast recipe and it's always beyond DELICIOUS!

Would really enjoy making my own since I use so much!

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77 pietra August 20, 2009 at 8:49 am

If I'm not using vanilla I'm using lavender. I adore both. Now I make a vanilla lavender salad dressing that is wonderful.
The bottle you are using is perfect.
We heart vanilla here in Oregon.

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78 Kim Hacking August 20, 2009 at 8:55 am

Vanilla is the bomb! I love it in crepes, ice cream, etc…
kimhacking.typepad.com

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79 Fuji Mama August 20, 2009 at 9:28 am

LOVE vanilla. Life just wouldn't be complete without it. When a recipe calls for it, I always double the amount (at least).

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80 Fuji Mama August 20, 2009 at 9:29 am

I tweeted about the contest! (@fujimama)

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81 Jelli Bean August 20, 2009 at 10:11 am

The other day our neighbor came to the house and offered me some vanilla "essence" because she knows I love to bake. The product is sold by her husband's workplace, which makes fragrances AND flavorings. I tasted the vanilla 1st to be sure it was edible, and surely enough, it set my tongue on fire. Luckily, I love vanilla home fragrance just as much as flavoring.

Thanks for the giveaway, it'd make a great birthday present, hint hint!

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82 Patricia P. August 20, 2009 at 10:17 am

My mother-in-law was given a wax sealed bottle with a couple of vanilla beans inside. There was a tag attached with insrtuctions. I have it now. Do you think the beans are still good after at least 5 years if the bottle was never opened?

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83 Rachel Ricchio August 20, 2009 at 11:11 am

one thing that i learned about vanilla is that because it is in such high demand, 97% of vanilla used is synthetic! i love that you're giving away REAL vanilla beans!

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84 Jules Someone August 20, 2009 at 11:32 am

I love me some good vanilla ice cream. Yum!

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85 facesarefunny August 20, 2009 at 12:18 pm

My very favorite use for vanilla is to add it to whipping cream and make homemade whipped cream to put on fried plantains covered with real maple syrup, so yummy!

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86 Pete & Carolyn's Movie Blog August 20, 2009 at 12:27 pm

This looks so amazing! Vanilla is my favoriteeee!
peteandcarolyn@gmail.com :)

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87 KJ August 20, 2009 at 12:47 pm

I love vanilla and add it to EVERYTHING! Most recently, however, I put it into the 30 half pint jars of mango butter I canned last night!

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88 Liz August 20, 2009 at 1:10 pm

oh!! what a fabulous idea!! I bake like a maniac and it's always so irritating to see how quickly vanilla extract runs out. I always see vanilla beans at Costco (YES, COSTCO SELLS VANILLA BEANS!!!!) but I know I'll get through those faster than the extract. But now, I think I might just splurge for those vanilla beans -or hopefully win this giveaway ;) -! Thank you so much!!!

ekang06@hotmail.com

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89 Maria August 20, 2009 at 3:25 pm

Great giveaway! I love vanilla. I add extra to everything I bake/make!

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90 Stephanie August 20, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Cool! I never knew it'd be so easy to make my own! Last time I was in Mexico, I bought a ton of Mexican Vanilla to stock up, since it's so much better and cheaper! I'd love to make my own, but I have yet to buy vanilla beans! For some reason, I"m a little intimidated to use them – they're a bit costly, and I'm afraid I'll waste them!! And how super cool of you to do a give away!

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91 JennyMac August 20, 2009 at 4:27 pm

Too funny, I just got my vanilla beans in the mail today AND went to the liquor store for my vodka! Now here is your post! I just did all my beans in one bottle (bought the good vodka) so I'd be shaking only ONE bottle each week. Then I can funnel into little bottles in any size when I am ready in a few months! I can't wait!

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92 emerzim August 20, 2009 at 5:16 pm

I've been thinking about trying to make my own vanilla. I usually just buy mine at Trader Joe's

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93 Deebo August 20, 2009 at 5:46 pm

Hmm.. something about vanilla? The smell of vanilla always reminds me of my mom, she used to wear vanilla perfume. So eating anything with vanilla makes me think of my mom, and it makes me happy.

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94 madebymel August 20, 2009 at 7:08 pm

I have always wanted to make homemade vanilla! The vanilla beans in my local are ridiculously expensive though!

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95 adrienne August 20, 2009 at 8:38 pm

I always save money by buying pure vanilla at the Mexican market. It's amazing how much cheaper it is than the regular grocery store.

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96 Jill August 20, 2009 at 8:40 pm

Homemade vanilla is wonderful! Thanks for posting the formula. :)

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97 jeff August 20, 2009 at 10:28 pm

I smiled when I read this… Like you, I have no tolerance and am easily enticed by high-end spirits (which tend to just sit on my shelf forever b/c I seldom imbibe)

This, however, is worth a trip to the liquor store.

Wonderful post- I've actually enjoyed reading through the comments, too.

Jeff
http://www.adorkandhispork.com

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98 Swirly August 20, 2009 at 10:58 pm

I've been seeing posts about homemade vanilla extract pop up all over the place lately, and I've been itching to make it ever since I saw the first one! Lighter flavors have always appealed to me, and I've always preferred vanilla is my favorite flavor vanilla over chocolate. I've actually never used vanilla beans themselves though, because I'm a poor college student who can't afford such luxuries. :[

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99 Tracey August 20, 2009 at 11:16 pm

I've got a huge bottle of vanilla extract I purchased recently but as soon as I make some headway on it, I am definitely going to try making my own. Thanks for the post !

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100 Lauren August 21, 2009 at 3:42 am

I go through so much vanilla I should by stock in it! Why is it so expensive?!? I would LOVE the opportunity to make my own extract. <3 <3

BIEHNL (at) yahoo (dot) com

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101 Nancy August 21, 2009 at 7:15 am

I love vanilla! It had never crossed my mind to make the extract from scratch, but it doesn't seem too hard. I'll have to give it a try!

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102 sherri August 21, 2009 at 9:43 am

I had no idea I could make my own vanilla extract! Love this idea.

I use vanilla in eveything- hot cocoa, french toast, tea…

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103 Emily August 21, 2009 at 10:29 am

I stock up on vanilla beans at Costco and put them in everything I can … one unique delicious use is to add vanilla beans to lobster risotto.

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104 Erin August 21, 2009 at 11:14 am

I LOVE Vanilla sugar! It is so flavorful! I love it in my coffee!

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105 Erin August 21, 2009 at 11:15 am
106 Ashlie August 21, 2009 at 3:08 pm

I tried to make this once before – it never got vanilla-y enough. I an see from your proportions I put too much vodka in, rats! Like you I use vanilla a lot – in just about everything I bake, whether the recipe calls for it or not. While it often provides a subtle accent to my baked goods, it plays a starring role in my homemade soy-vanilla pudding (it makes being lactose intolerant bearable!).

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107 Adrienne August 21, 2009 at 3:39 pm

When I'm craving something sweet, but trying to be good, I mix vanilla with milk and sugar. It usually satisfies the craving.

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108 Christine August 21, 2009 at 6:35 pm

I actually followed Chris Kimball's (of America's Test Kitchen) recipe for homemade vanilla extract, which calls for heating the vodka on the stove. When I poured it over the beans it turned a brilliant amber immediately! I can't wait to try it.

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109 Lauren L August 21, 2009 at 9:40 pm

I recently discovered vanilla bean paste and have been using it in everything (I love that I can see the seed specks when I bake with it)! I'd never considered making my own extract before…a very interesting idea!

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110 Jennmcn August 22, 2009 at 2:21 am

I love Vanilla. I accidentally broke a bottle of vanilla extract in the kitchen and it smelled wonderful for almost a week. It had been a while since I bought any and I was surprised at how expensive it has become.

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111 Miakoda August 22, 2009 at 6:41 am

Wow, that's it…but it's so simple! Thanks for bringing this to light…I always imagine these things entail some strange and incomprehensible chemical extraction procedure. :)

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112 mathilde August 22, 2009 at 9:34 am

My favorite memories of childhood were those of waking in the middle of the night and my mother taking me out to the kitchen for a midnight mug of warm milk flavored with vanilla and honey. Having the chance to make my own vanilla extract is the neatest idea I can think of!

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113 Jessica August 22, 2009 at 10:13 am

i never knew making vanilla was so easy!

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114 Sony August 22, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Hi Jamie!

This is too funny! Just yesterday, I went into the liquor store, which I never do, to pick out an alcohol or extracting my own vanilla, and walked out with confusion and no booze. But if I ended up with the beans, I'd walk back in with better commitment to the task. :) My first application that I'd like to use my vanilla for is panna cotta- would be my first time using gelatin for a dessert (besides plain ol' Jello) and homemade extract.

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115 Donna-FFW August 23, 2009 at 5:04 am

I also make my own vanilla sugar at home. I love the bottle, it is so pretty. I think I will make some very sooon, just in time for the holidays!

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116 halo August 23, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Jamie,
I also make vanilla salt.
We miss you over on MUA!!!
Made your cheesecakey brownies and they were such a hit.
Janice
(nbxcarib)

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117 Me and My Pink Mixer August 23, 2009 at 6:10 pm

I love homemade vanilla ice cream! I have heard that it is so much better with vanilla beans, but I haven't been able to find any in my home town – hope I win! Thanks and I love your blog!

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118 Morisseau August 23, 2009 at 6:33 pm

came back by tonight as I am making extract for the 1st time, only to discover that the contest concludes today! lucky me.

my favorite thing to use vanilla in are crepes, from the joy of cooking cookbook — quite possibly, the very reason that I'm married, as I suspect I never would have been able to woo my lovely wife without the crepes.

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119 Teanna DiMicco August 25, 2009 at 8:45 am

I keep meaning to make my own vanilla extract but forget! This totally reminded me!

Vanilla is essential in every baking dish in my mind… I will even throw it into recipe that don't call for it because i love the smooth flavor!

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120 Katie @ goodLife {eats} August 26, 2009 at 7:19 am

I use so much vanilla. I buy it at Costco, it's about $15 but a really good sized bottle that lasts at least 6 months.

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121 The American Homemaker August 26, 2009 at 12:11 pm

Virgin pina coladas are also my drink of choice :)

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122 Ingrid August 26, 2009 at 8:21 pm

Hey, Jamie! You okay? It's been what a week or so since you last posted. I'm assuming (hoping) its school starting back up that is keeping you away.
~ingrid

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123 Cathy August 27, 2009 at 8:18 am

I missed the giveaway, but I am so impressed by this vanilla making business that I had to leave a comment anyway to say thanks for the tutorial! We have a bottle of vodka that we never use, but I go through vanilla extract like it's water, and I love that I can use that vodka to make my own extract. This is fantastic – thanks!

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124 Shelby Starlet August 29, 2009 at 9:26 pm

What a fantastic idea. I never realized such a thing was possible. Once again, you are inspirational!

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125 Eliana September 2, 2009 at 10:34 am

OMG I will forever love you for sharing this juicy bit of knowledge because I am the ultimate vanillaholic. Most people may prefer chocolate but vanilla flavor is the backbone of everything!!!

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126 128 Kearns September 4, 2009 at 2:12 pm

I think for the most part when people think vanilla, they think sweet. But, if you add vanilla beans to Jamaican jerk rub, it transforms it into a wonderful new meal. From what I understand, this is a Haitian take on jerk. Use it on any meat you wish!

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127 4given1 September 15, 2009 at 1:05 pm

I have made my own vanilla a few times now and I love it. It tastes so much better than store bought.

Question…I just found a pint of vanilla that I started probably in the spring. When I strained the beans out I found that the vodka was slimy-like. Do you think it is okay to use? I think I should have had more vodka in it as it soaked.

Nice blog!

Wendi

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128 TZel September 16, 2009 at 1:14 pm

I love your site and your take on baking. As far as vanilla is concerned, the more the better- I love the vanilla! I put it in pancake batter, and every dessert (whether it calls for it or not!)

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129 Hot Polka Dot February 24, 2010 at 11:48 am

What a great idea! Vanilla is insanely expensive and I go through it so fast. This sounds like a much better solution. I’ll make sure to try it soon. Thanks!

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