Making Vanilla

I LOVE to bake and the most expensive part of baking is the vanilla.  So naturally I thought, "How is vanilla made and can I make it for cheaper?"  the answer, "I can!"

As I was researching how to make vanilla, I came across some cute ideas of turning it into Christmas gifts for friends and family.  I decided I was going to do the same.

I went to Ikea and bought 8- 5oz. jars to hold my vanilla extract, then went to the grocery store to buy the vanilla beans.  For two beans it was $11.99 on sale!  Whoa that seemed really expensive, I knew there had to be a cheaper option.  I ended up ordering 40 premium Madagascar vanilla beans from www.topvanilla.com for $23.95.  I chose the Madagascar variety because the flavor is a rich, dark and creamy with an overwhelming sweet, buttery aroma. These are well suited for many baking recipes, drinks and desserts.  I got the beans in the mail about 6 days later.

I then had to search out the second ingredient in vanilla; Vodka.  I have a nice bottle of Grey Goose in the basement that we have had for 6 years, but I didn't want to use the good stuff for vanilla since I was reading it doesn't make a difference in the flavor.  I was keeping an eye out for a sale at our local alcohol store.  Finally a bottle of Vodka went on sale for $11.99 for 1.75L.  I was so excited, that I dropped my husband off and work at 9:00am and headed straight to the alcohol store.  It felt really weird going to buy a huge bottle of Vodka, while carrying a baby, at a store at 9am where I was the only customer.  The lady at the checkout counter kinda gave me a strange look, like "lady, you must be an alcoholic and a bad mother since you are buying vodka at 9am while bringing in your baby to the store"  and I felt the need to tell her it was for making vanilla, and she gave the "riiight" look.  When she was checking me out apparently I had a $10 credit that I was able to use on the vodka....score!  I was grinning from ear to ear.

I came home to clean and boil (disinfect) the glass jars in preparation for making the vanilla extract.  I was told to cut the vanilla beans in half lengthwise and submerse them in the Vodka. (next time I think I will just cut them into 1" strips because it is easier to keep them submerged in the vodka)  It is to be stored in a dark place for at least two months and shaken once a week to help infuse the flavors.  I am storing it in my coat closet in the front entrance since there are so many of them.  There were lots of suggestions as to how many beans per cup of Vodka to use and I chose to do 4 vanilla beans in the 5oz. of Vodka.  I'll have to see if that creates too strong of vanilla extract or not.

I am a little upset at myself that I have been buying an inferior product my whole life.  I am amazed that most store bought vanilla extract is not pure, it has corn syrup in it, despite the label saying "Pure".  Looks like it was infused in water and then the alcohol was added later?  Also that the alcohol is only 35 proof, rather than 40 proof (that you get when you make it at home) Again, how awesome that homemade stuff is far superior in taste and quality!

I am going to create cute little labels and give them away at Christmas.  It won't be ready by then so I will have to tell everyone to give it a shake once in a while until it is ready.  The great thing about the homemade vanilla extract is a starter too (much like a sourdough starter).  If the level gets low, just add more vodka.  If the flavoring is getting week, just replace a vanilla bean.

Cost Savings:
Generic Store Bought Vanilla Extract: $3.39 per ounce
McCormick Vanilla Extract:  $3.49 per ounce
Organic Vanilla Extract: $4.14 per ounce
Homemade Vanilla Extract:  $1.36 per ounce


The Breakdown
8 Ikea Jars: $8.61 (with tax)
40 Vanilla Beans:  $32.98 (with shipping)
Vodka:  $12.93 (with tax, not taking into account my $10 credit)
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Total:  $54.52  (it was $44.52 with my credit)
Total per Gift:  $6.81 for 5oz.  or $1.36 per oz.  ($5.57 for 5oz. or $1.11 per oz. with my credit!)