Homemade vanilla extract. Can you use Gin? **PICS ADDED**

[Cindiloohoo]

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I got the McCorrmick Madagascar vanilla beans from Wal-Mart. 2 beans were $8!!! BUT...I can make all the vanilla I need for WAYYYY cheaper than store bought little 2 oz for $4 of vanilla. It is pretty pricey to start out, but I believe it will be well worth it

 

[arabianequine]

Here try this they seem reasonable lot of different types of vanilla beans too. I love the glass jars and they are a good price too bunch of different sizes and shapes.....alton says madagascar is the best......my hubby sent this link to me. Gotta love google!

ETA: you want the link right?

http://www.beanilla.com/glass-bottles-jars-c-41.html

 

[Msbear]

There are a bunch of online places to buy from too. When you buy bulk, you can save $$. It last forever too. I love using mine in pancakes

 

[hunterjumper999]

I got beanilla beans. I got Madagascar and Tahitian . I have to get rum now.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

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YAY!! Mine smells SOOOO good. I have to sniff every time I shake it now

 

[Cindiloohoo]

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Thanks for the link! I'm going to check out those jars

 

[flgardengirl]

You can get bulk vanilla beans on ebay and use bourbon or vodka. If you want really great flavor let it steep for 6 mos. I usually make some in the summer to use for holiday baking and gifts.
There are variations where you can use herbs added but I haven't tried those yet. I might make the one that you add the cinnamon this year to use for mexican hot cocoa etc.

ETA: Here is a link for making your own but if you do a search you will get lots of different ideas: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/diy-vanilla-extract.html

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I have a wine bottle of vodka with vanilla beans marinating in my kitchen right now. It's probably been soaking for at least two months. I am looking forward to using it for holiday baking.

If anyone hasn't tried this and would like to, go for it. It's so easy!

 

[jennh]

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I have made homemade vanilla from beans lots of times. Never thought of using gin. I usually use vodka or rum, rum being my fav. I got 150 proof last time. WOW!

I usually let mine age approx 6 mos, though. Cindiloohoo, how many vanilla beans did you use to how much gin?
I give mine away as gifts. I save old bottles also. Then I cork them. Did you ever read the ingredients in the pure vanilla extract you get in the stores?!!

Jen

 

[jennh]

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I got my vanilla beans on Ebay--Arizonavanillabean co, or something like that. I got 1/4 lb for $10. I have lots of beans!
BTW, King Arthur Flour says the Mexican beans are the best. That's what I got the last itme. I have gotten both the Madagascar and the Tahitian, but haven't gotten to try the Mexican yet for comparison.

Jen