They should feel dense when you pinch them with your fingers, and they should emit a strong vanilla smell. (grade B is specifically meant for extracting but if you have grade A those will work perfectly also), (the best and most popular choices are vodka - for a neutral flavored extract - and also bourbon, brandy and rum), (this is the extract you find in most stores) Use .8 ounces (or 22 grams) of vanilla beans per 1 cup of vodka (or other 80 proof alcohol), (much stronger flavor preferred by most professional bakers) Use 1.6 ounces (or 44 grams) of vanilla beans per 1 cup of vodka (or other 80 proof alcohol). Place the extract in a dark, cool place, shaking occasionally for the first few weeks. If you want to add another flavor note to the extract, you can use a stronger flavored liquor. Shake the bottle every so often to distribute the contents. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. This yields an aromatic salt that works well as a finisher to roast meats like pork or turkey, or as a sprinkle over rice, a salad or sliced tomatoes. Homemade extract uses only two ingredients: vanilla beans and alcohol. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Make-Vanilla-Extract-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Vanilla-Extract-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8c\/Make-Vanilla-Extract-Step-1.jpg\/aid1630964-v4-728px-Make-Vanilla-Extract-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. By using our site, you agree to our. Don’t throw away your vanilla beans! The extract gets better with age. Learn how to source vanilla beans and make extract in two ways: with vodka and with other spirits. If you like, to get even more flavor out of the beans as the extract ages, slice the used vanilla beans to fit the length of the jars and place about 2 pieces in the 2-ounce jars and 4 pieces in the 4-ounce jars. Bourbon vanilla beans are fruity, with hints of figs and persimmon. Receive the latest recipes from The Daring Gourmet! Toss the vanilla bean into a pot of poaching fruit, or stir into a compote or fridge jam to add flavor. For better results wait 6 months, for best results wait a year. Don’t worry about the alcohol content: Most of the alcohol cooks out during baking. Stir your coffee with a vanilla bean instead of a stir stick, or simmer milk with a vanilla bean before adding to coffee. However, if you use it a lot, it's a good idea to start making a new one in time to have it ready when the old one is used up. Store in an airtight container for two weeks. This article has been viewed 45,630 times. Here are our favorites: Most recipes call for vodka because it lends a fairly neutral flavor. This takes at least six weeks. Even after they’ve steeped, they still have plenty of flavor. Pour in the vodka until the beans are covered by at least 1/2-inch. How to Use Your Vanilla Beans after Making Extract . Coffee tastes amazing with a bit of spice. The beans will slowly release flavor into the liquid until it’s concentrated and rich. For more advice, like how to choose the right vanilla beans, read on! Shake the bottle once a week. Here are our favorite uses for them. Let the beans dry completely, then drop them in a big jar or canister and pour in sugar. Some people skip the slicing step. (Here are 45 other foods you’re buying that you should consider making instead.). (No SPAM, we'll never sell your email - we promise!). The plants take two to three years to flower, and must be pollinated by hand for the beloved beans to develop. To make the extract, begin by mixing together three parts glycerin and one part water, then pour it into a glass bottle. Here are our favorite uses for them. With hundreds of flavors of ice cream available, from mint chip to rocky road, surveys show that year after year, vanilla remains the popular favorite.