Warning, this post contains alcohol.
One of the dilemmas we have about cooking and baking in the UAE/Gulf Region is that vanilla extract, which, though commonplace elsewhere, is not available on store shelves due to restrictions on alcohol. Restaurants and bars must be issued a very expensive license to serve highly taxed alcohol and where it is included in a dish, it must be clearly labeled so. What would be stand alone restaurants in other countries are hotel restaurants here because hotels can easily expense blanket alcohol licenses for all of their outlets. The vast majority of restaurants in the country do not serve alcohol as a result of the municipal and religious implications. You see, alcohol is haram, which means it is against the tenets of Islam and with this being an Islamic country, we have to respect and honour the culture of our new home.
In fact, all extracts, including plant alcohols, are not available so things like pure liquid stevia extract are also not allowed in the country. You will not find the popular Trinidadian Angostura Bitters in supermarkets and neither will you find any alcoholic beverages in gas stations. Here, you must have a personal alcohol license to purchase and consume alcohol and it can only be purchased at two licensed dealears. Each Emirate has its own laws which vary from the least restrictive (Ajman) where you can buy alcohol without a license, to totally dry (Sharjah) where it is illegal to consume, transport or be in possession of alcohol. Dubai and Abu Dhabi fall somewhere in the middle. In Dubai, you are allowed to purchase, consume and travel with alcohol but with explicit restrictions.
Even though the shelves of the local alcohol dealers, MMI and AE are stocked with beverages from near and far, and you can even get a bottle of Appleton Rum,* you will never find vanilla extract there. Don’t even think to sneak in your own through customs because you risk jail time.
Vanilla beans are easily available in top supermarkets but are very expensive and are not practical for every recipe. So here is how you make your own in time for the intense baking of December. It takes two months to make vanilla so if you start now, you will definitely be able to impress your guests with your desserts that reek of authentic vanilla and not the imitation stuff we find in the local supermarkets.
So here is a recipe for homemade real vanilla extract, which believe it or not is simpler and cheaper than you think.
Ingredients: 3 medium-fat vanilla beans and 1 cup rum (you may substitute with vodka), a sterilized airtight canning jar/ mason jar or if you are a re-cyclist like The Steward, an old jam/or honey jar.
Method: Sterilize jar and lid by pouring boiling water over them covering them and letting them sit in the purifying, scalding bath for about 10 minutes.
Holding the tip of the vanilla that has the rough nodule where it was attached to the vanilla orchid, use a sharp paring or fillet knife to slit the vanilla in half, leaving from about one inch from the end you are holding. (Pretend that you see my index and middle fingers holding down the end to the left. I was busy shooting with my left hand and cutting with my right).
Pour the measured alcohol into the jar and add slit beans, making sure to fully immerse them. Get a production label or a piece of tape and a pen and label the date of production. Place in a dark cabinet for two months, shaking the bottle every Monday (or any day you wish). The aim is to shake it up once per week. If you have to place it in a cupboard that is opened frequently, simply wrap the bottle in a kitchen towel to keep it dark.
*The Appleton Rum sold in the UAE MMI stores is the Special, which is the cheapest grade sold in Jamaica. Even so, it is leap years ahead of Bacardi (Cuban) or Mount Gay (Barbados) or Meyers, which no self-respecting Jamaican drinks. Appleton sells the vast majority of their rum in the local domestic Jamaican market because it is so good, that we consume most of it. You may also have a shot of Appleton Reserve 21 Year Old at Burj Al Arab’s Al Muntaha. It’s not cheap, but most things worth splurging on are not.
This is awesome Kari. And great info about Appleton Rum as well.
I just came back from the States so….
Hahaha. One day, you will sit me down and tell me how 🙂
Love this simple DIY recipe. Knowing me, I would probably add more vanilla beans…
Sanura, I would add maybe one more vanilla, tops. Since it is being left to age and mature, it intesifies greatly. What you want to be sure of is the quality of the vanilla beans you have in the first place.
Love it Kari, similar to how I do it. In the same way you can make it using Brandy or vanilla liquere. I find that vodka keeps an after taste, that takes away from the goodness of the Vanilla, so it is not my preferred choice, but if nothing else is available, then it does the job.
Thx for sharing, love it 🙂
Yes, agreed that vodka is yuck for vanilla. Love the brandy idea. Is vanilla liqueur sold here?
well id have to say my grandmother has used the rum n vanilla beans for about ten yrs. But not the Appleton rum. She was using Captain Morgans Spiced Rum but i bet its almost the same thing..She also uses brandy. Works just as good. Thats just my opinion. Its also a good recipe because people that can’t drink bcuz of high blood pressure or liver faliure can now taste a lil alcohol on the holidays, cuz the alcohol is cooked out of whatever your baking bcuz of the heat in the oven. is that right? but anyway great post glad someone else put this up as a blog cuz not to many people no how to make vanilla extract at home from scratch. it makes good money to if ur selling it at ur own lil stand in front of a grocery store bfor the holidays r ovr..but once again great post my friend.. now my grams will prob try the appleton rum… awesome
I have to buy that appleton rum for my next vanilla extract bottle. I’m waiting for my extract to mature using vodka.
Great that you make your own Abigail! I am happy you did it first with vodka because then you get to compare with your next batch that you will make with rum!
I make my own vanilla extract but usually use vodka. More interested in the lesson about Jamaican rum – very educational (must try some).
Sally, for your next batch, try rum or as Dima suggests, brandy or vanilla liquer. I wish MMI would sell the better quality Appleton Rum. I am talking grades of Appleton VX, Appleton Extra, Appleton Reserve and Appleton 21 year old. Chef and I favour the Reserve and 21 for drinking. We both agree that you really get the true essence at Extra and above.
i love all your DIY stuff! <3
Thanks Drina! There is a saying in Jamaica that goes “Turn your hand and make fashion,” which simply speaks to just how resourceful we are as a people. We aim to share a bit of that element of our culture with the world 🙂
Great story and wonderful (and true) advert for Appleton 🙂
http://weekendfoodprojects.com
Edward, thanks much. Would you believe that we do not own one single share in the company? I would think it would be a sound investment indeed! We don’t get paid or get freebies, though The Steward has attended a few media parties back in Jamaica… those were the days…
This is a great DIY advice. I am defintely interested it trying to make this.
Zahra, so happy you will be making this! Do us a favour and put aside the money you save and buy some nice foodie gadget/item that you have been lusting over. 2 pods are AED20-32 and 1 pod is tsp so you will be saving quite a bit in the two months!
I’ve come across this a few times and have yet to try it for myself. Thanks for posting it. You made it look so easy.
Eliana, maybe this time is the charm? Maybe it’s Jamaican Rum? Maybe it’s because you really can have great vanilla extract on the cheap by the holidays if you do it now!
Very interesting, I didn’t know that extracts were made with alcohol. I guess that explains that since moving to Bahrain, I haven’t seen the real stuff on the shelf. I was going to have my mom send me a care package that included a bottle of the good stuff, but now I know that may not be a good idea! Great post!!!!
I’ve made my own vanilla using vodka and brandy. Looks like this is the year for rum 🙂
I think I will take the good advice here, and avoid using vodka when I try this. I wonder, how much flavor will the brandy infuse, and will it overwhelm the vanilla bean? I may try rum first. Thanks, Chef and Steward. Love fundamentals.
Why rum? I’ve seen a similar process done with Vodka, and I was wondering if rum would enhance or change the flavor?
I had no clue that extracts were made with alcohol or that is was against certain religious laws. How unfortunate 🙁
This is a very cool DIY– shared it on Pinterest. I think my mother-in-law will definitely enjoy!
Looks delicious! Thank you so much for posting this.
Wow, you make it look easy enough that I might have to try it! Just to confirm, you don’t have to seal the mason jar airtight once you put the rum and vanilla beans in? Do you leave the vanilla beans in once it’s done curing?
Thanks for the post!
This was a really interesting read. I learned a lot, and not just about vanilla extract!
I never thought of how hard it is in some places to get something like vanilla extract. Thanks for sharing.
I think I can handle this …..or there’s always the rum
Nice blog and very good pictures! about making vanilla extract at home (I just made up a batch a week ago and it is aging and infusing now), I really still prefer to use inexpensive vodka to make my vanilla extract. I hate drinking vodka (and much prefer rum or gin) because it is practically a tasteless alcohol. However, that is exactly the quality that makes it ideal for using to produce exracts or flavored bitters. Using Appleton Rum will make a delicious vanilla flavored rum no doubt and I bet you can drink it by itself, but it seems a bit wasteful and unnecessary. I mean in a batch of brownies or cookies or cupcakes with a couple of teaspoons of vanilla extract, using an extract made with classy rum vs. one with no-name vodka will not make a difference. It’s the vanilla flavor I am after not the base beverage used to extract it.
OK, now I know how vanilla extract is made, I want some tips on how to make home made jelly beans! Especially in the popcorn jelly belly flavour! Fantastic work!
sweet, I cant find any extract here in germany like back home. I will have to try this out 😉
I’m going to try this. I have only heard of using vodka but this sounds delicious.
great idea! You can make vanilla sugar too, if you’re not OK with buying or having rum in the house.
Thank for this post, there is nothing better than a D.I.Y solution to a retail product. It’s always fresher, better tasting, and a best value.
Beautifully put together site! Love the great recipes, awsome stories & amazing photographs. I am hooked!
This is wonderful!! Especially since store-bought vanilla extract often has corn syrup in it. I know quite a few people who an allergy to all corn products and derivatives, which can make holiday baking hard.
Oh wow! I would have never known this, if I never read your post. I love Vanilla and take it for granted. Yikes. Well, thanks for sharing. 🙂
this is great! thank you! i moved to spain, and cannot find vanilla extract anywhere, so I might take up this recipe! wow…it’s so cool I can always find what I’m looking for in blogs! thank YOU!!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I have a gluten allergy and many of the recipes that I have called for gluten free vanilla extract. It would be lovely to make it instead of tracking it down.
I absolutely love vanilla extract! I’d be bummed if I didn’t have it readily available. Nice post!
Amanda
http://bullfrogsandbulldogs.wordpress.com/
I am really intrigued and I wonder if this might make really cool holiday gifts for my foodie friends…..
Thanks for the recipe! I’m excited to give it a try 🙂
Good time of year for this. Thanks for sharing!
Great DIY! I am definitely going to try it and make soft chocolate chip cookies, saffron vanilla rice, vanilla oil for garnishing and more 🙂 Thanks for the post and great pics!
I was surprised at how much rum you added to a reasonably small jar with only one vanilla bean. This recipe sounds almost like ‘Rum with a touch of vanilla flavoring!”
Ronnie
OMG! Appleton Rum my absolute fave! This will be difficult to try as I will want to use the rum for “medicinal” uses instead of cooking. But I will give it a go 🙂
wait! i didn’t mean to do that
What a great idea, homemade vanilla will make a great Christmas gift for someone that loves to bake. thanks
I’ll certainly try this for the holidays. Thanks for giving me a new, special project!
If, like me, you want to avoid alcohol for health reasons, then you can infuse vanilla in a liquid sweetener like agave. Some simply open the bean and scrape the seeds into their creation. Vanilla is SO wonderful.
I like it. I will have to try this recipe.
Love it! A must-make! I think the only vanilla beans I can get ahold of are dried ones. Would they work? Also, how much stronger do you recon the real essence is to the shop bought one?
Wow! Love your blog!! This looks like an awful lot of work for me though…. lol. Loving the look og your squid ceviche recipe!
Love this – especially because it is vegetarian!
check also http://itsallaboutnonduality.blogspot.com/
Sounds good!
Oh THANK YOU for this! I have been going crazy here in Germany…they don’t have vanilla extract! This is great! Thank you Thank you Thanks You!!!
http://thediaryofsugarandspice.wordpress.com/
great post.. can’t wait to try. Do you leave the beans in or take them out at a certain time?
wow! Amazing! Thank you for the idea, and for the best food blog yet!
I think I just found my homemade Christmas gift idea for this season…Thanks for sharing.
I currently make vanilla vodka, but have been thinking about doing extract! Thanks for the info!! 🙂
Great blog, deffo going to try this!
Very interesting post. I am in the US and don’t frequent liquor stores, so does anyone know if the Appleton rum can be found in the US? I’d love to try this recipe… thanks.
I just buy some of this: http://www.amazon.com/NoMU-Vanilla-Paste-3-38-Ounce-Jars/dp/B001ELLAX0 😉
This is a great idea, I have been wanting to try it for ages and its great to get a detailed instruction – Thank you 🙂
that looks awesome! I too have a couple of questions… Are the beans left in the solution once it is done infusing? And also, how long does the extract last for afterwards?
Vodka is fine, as long as it is a better one.
I bought a 3 pack of organic vanilla beans, and poured vodka in the jars. Can’t wait to try it!
Restrictions on alcohol suck, in PA you can’t buy wine in a grocery store, beer is sold as long as it is in a cafe that is part of the store.In a special beer store you can buy it by case,though.And there is restriction on how much one person can buy. Sigh.
Congratulations on being FP!
Oh! I just bought some really good vanilla, but I really want to do this. I didn’t even know you could do this. Fantastic! Thanks!
WOW! It sounds amazing, definetly I will try it! :))
I did this myself recently, moved by mere thrift (750ml booze + vanilla beans < 150ml pre-made extract), and on completion thought to myself, "I deeply regret not having used rum as a base for this." I'd used vodka, of course, to avoid influencing the taste of the vanilla, forgetting the many times I'd substituted Appleton's for vanilla extract when making cookies. Thank you for confirming the impression that rum is superior for this exercise!
Does this mean the vanilla extracts i purchase from the super market also contains alcohol? :s
This is perfect timing as I just bought some vanilla pods and homemade vanilla extract would make a great Christmas gift! Thanks for sharing :
Very nice! I made my last post about cookin the world simpliest apple pie 😀 Learning to do this would be awesome! Thank you for sharing. I loves the part where we had to pretend that we can see your fingers were in the picture 😉 Love the style of your writing.
good
Looks awesome! I should give it a try 🙂
And I thought living in Utah was difficult with regards to alcohol! You have it decidedly worse than we do. I have been waiting for a month for Coscto to get Vanilla Beans in and the shipment is still delayed ($4.25 PER BEAN at the regular grocery store here!) I may just order in bulk from Amazon where it is 50cents per bean. Can’t wait to give this a try! Thanks for the recipe!
I’m gonna have to give this a try.
love this must try it .
Oh I love doing this! My father and I extracted vanilla from beans straight from Tahiti with some fancy dark rum. It was awesome.
Thank you for the reminder! Great post!
I will follow your blog for sure. Have an awesome day!
I am moved to try to make my own! I am in Haiti, so I guess I will have to try some Haitian rum. 🙂
I wanted to make vanilla extract for my friends and family this x-mas, thank you! Appleton is my favorite liquor too, so that makes this recipe even better : ).
I’d love to make this and I had no idea about the alcohol restrictions where you are. Thank you for the recipe and the education.
I look forward to many years of great vanilla; the real stuff. Is there a way to make cinnamon? I like cinnamon but what I have to buy in the stores just never tastes like cinnamon after it is cooked. Please Help me.
thanx–woman in need of great flavors.
Even though I’m here in America, I might just make my own because it’s insanely difficult to find real vanilla as well, only one store really carries it, but it’s pricey and not a full cup!
I lived in Egypt with my husband for 7 years. I bought a cook book that was put together by many woman who learned how to cook and make things that we take for granted here in the states. How to make stuffing from scratch, how to make marshmallows and so much more. That cook book was a life saver for me.. For many years the market was not open at one time we had to get sugar (the good kind) on the black market.. Never even thought about making my own extract it sounds so good I am going to make some tomorrow thank you for sharing..
Love all the detail! So funny – I actually did a post recently on the same thing and the cost savings of making your own vanilla, but you have really expanded on the subject and I learned even more!
Thanks.
Could I use Sailor Jerry’s Rum? It’s spiced and I think it would add a lovely flavour but I don’t want it to over power the vanilla. Plus I would like to use this vanilla in my everyday baking- so I would like more of the vanilla flavour to shine rather than the rum. Thanks!
This was an awesome tip. I just started a catering business and I’m always looking for new ways to make my food taste even better. I’m going to get my ingrediants ASAP! Thanks so much I am locking this one in the book.
wow! i cant wait to make my own vanilla extract in my house! thanks dude
My mom has made this before, and it works really well!!! 🙂
Great tip, thanks! It’s hard to find vanilla extract here in Spain as well. The artificial stuff is about as good as it gets, and even that is hard to come by. I picked up some vanilla beans – in Germany of all places, and will give it a go. Alcohol, on the other hand, is pretty free flowing here 🙂
This sounds interesting and fun! I might just have to try this. Thank you for the post. And I love your pics too, feels like you were shooting pics for your own magazine 😉
Great recipe! Thanks for the idea! I pressume making Rose extract works the same way?
The photos of the vanilla in the jar are beautiful. I love that rich color!
http://indiraadams.wordpress.com
Its always good to be able to make your own stuff. Thanks for the other receipies as well. They looked great! ; )
Love your alcohol containing post 🙂
This reminds me of my mums v.e, she used to do it was brandy or vodka. Great post.
Apart from finding the recipe worthwhile I was interested in you comments regarding rum. Have you ever tried Cavalier Rum (Antigua)? Wondered what your opinion might be?
Really interesting on how the restrictions there affect everything.
Amen! I have been making my own vanilla extract for more than two years. I wouldn’t dream of buying the tiny little bottle in the store when I can make an enormous amount for the same price. In fact, I’m attempting to make my first batch of mint extract as we speak. If I am successful, I’ll share the results with the WordPress world!
This is great….although I buy vanilla from Mexico since it’s the real stuff and not the “extract” artificial thing you can buy in the US stores. I have no patience for a 2 month baking product since I use vanilla weekly all year round. But I would like to give it a try so thank you for the recipe.
heh this is cool. i have wanted to do lavender extract and other herbs.. vanilla is on the list and now i have a recipe. cool. i also like your theme and how the favs are across the bottom. ps. i’m totally stealing your chick flu soup recipe. i’ll post it and your blog on my blog when i do this winter. thanks
Firey
http://www.foundobjectbeachart.wordpress.com
Nice recipe, may try it. Congrats on being FP!
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I always prefer to use real vanilla extract (which I can buy at the supermarket here in the US), but this is a great alternative.
Yessss, I put vanilla in practically everything : ) Thanks for the nifty recipe. Shaking your own homemade vanilla extract/ new cure for a case of the mondays?
Wow will definitely use this!! Thanks I have been wanting to make my own for a while.
Hi Your recipe is very similar to what I do.
What I do is take an entire bottle of brandy (brandy has a smoother flavour than rum) any good brandy is good to go. Then I roughly chop the vanilla beans into tiny bits and drop them into the brandy bottle. I
live in south India where herbs and spices are plentiful and of a very high quality. I then use the brandy till the bottle is finished.
I also chop the vanilla beans and add them to a large container of sugar and the sugar gets infused with the vanilla flavour. I have both these preparations in my home always. I am particular about using natural products as much as possible for I consider them to be gifts to man from God’s garden.
I make vanilla sugar: exactly the same method as you, but instead of alcohol you cover the vanilla in sugar and leave it for a month. Then you can use it for baking, tea or whatever you like.
I love learning something new when I look up recipes and it’s usually either a history or geographical lesson. I never knew that Vanilla extract was not available in the UAE.
very cool! i have a killer caramel recipe that i only but out for the holidays, and vanilla extract is an important part of that recipe. this year, maybe i’ll use this recipe and see how they turn out! thanks for sharing!
Great advice. I’d never thought about using rum for vanilla extract. It’s gonna be delicious and I’m gonna make it very soon. Thanks for sharing!
nice post
I think this is a great idea and totally agree that the fake vanilla extract is definitely not great. So, this is an awesome idea to do it yourself and have that better taste and I love that alcohol is a part of the recipe. 😀
actually most stevia sweeteners here in the US aren’t alcohols but glycosides made by replacing the bottom hydrogen and top hydrogen in steviol with glucose groups…however some stevia-based sweeteners are mixed with a type of substance called sugar alcohols which as a sweetener are different from sugars because sugar alcohols metabolize independently of insulin, causing no rise in blood sugar levels….and they have a laxative effect when consumed in excess quantities….sugar alcohols however are found naturally in many vegetables and fruits…for example Truvia, one of our brands of stevia sweeteners comes mixed with erythritol, a sugar alcohol commonly found in grapes….so you might wanna inform your theocratic authorities of their hypocrisy of eating fruits and vegetables contianing these sugar alcohols while at the same time condemning alcohol….:-P
I also wonder if it might be possible to infuse a neutral scent/flavor oil like olive oil with the scent/flavor of the vanilla bean? that way you wouldn’t have to worry about finding alcohol to use in homemade vanilla flavoring…I know one can make a scented oil this way by mixing 1/2 oz. of herbs and spices with 2 cups of olive (or canola oil) and cooking it in a crock pot on low for 5 – 7 hours but I wondered if not just the scent but the flavors infuse as well
my friend and I were just talking about how to make vanilla! she said you put it in vodka. i shall have to try it one day. I had no idea alcohol restrictions made vanilla hard to get in some places
Really neat. Thanks for the entry.
I’ve made vanilla using vodka and brandy…so I think rum will be up next!!!
Great Post! Yum!
Oh wow.I have to try this!
I’ve always wanted to make homemade vanilla extract at home, but never could be too patient! It’s going to have to be one of those, just do it and forget about it type of things I’m feeling =)
I did this this year with some vanilla pods bought from Sri Lanka and some Vodka – works excellently. Tip – you can top up the essence with some more alcohol and a bit of water. Just leave the beans in there 🙂
Another wonderful rum comes from Bermuda and is always available in the US ABC stores. It is Goslings Black Seal 80 proof Rum. I have even used it as a substitute for vanilla extract.
The ONLY rum for Dark and Stormy (one part rum, one part ginger beer, served over ice), a traditional beverage from Bermuda!
Great recipe! I look forward to giving it a try.
Awesome article! Cant wait to try it!
Wow. love this idea! thanks for sharing in this informative post.
J
You can get rum but not plant-based alcohol? How backwards..
Not backwards, the country, region and cultures custom.
Oh, I want to try this. Dark rum is better as opposeed to white I take it. Also, is it exact to the two month mark? If started today, I would need to wait until Dec. 17th to use, correct?
Thank you for this, I always wanted to make my own extract! So much better, unless you can get the Tahatian made kind at a store here in the States! Great blog, Congrats!
I am going to try this! This is simple …..I can’t get this wrong! It will be my contribution for making the pies! 🙂
Hey thanks for posting very helpful for making other extracts also.
I’m going to try this if I can keep myself from drinking the rum first! LOL
I’m wondering if maybe the reason my vanilla still has a strong alcohol flavor to it (even though it’s been sitting since July) is because I used Vodka? It seems to be fine in baking, but in drinks, not so much!
Vanilla is fascinating. I visited a vanilla farm in Mauritius and saw how it was grown and harvested. So good in homemade ice cream!
So Awesome Thanks!
You are correct the Jamacian Rum is simply the best. In fact the entire West Indies is pretty good with rum. I have used this with Tahitian vanilla and it comes out fantastic. Great article and look forward to more!
I can’t wait to try this, I’m so glad I stumbled upon your site today!
this is something interesting! well done..
I don’t know what’s more interesting — the recipe or the story! Thanks for both. Here, we take vanilla extract for granted. Congrats on the FP!
I have to try today!!! Thanks so much.:)
I found your instructions easy to follow and interesting. I appreciate how you ground the recipe in what inspired you to make it, and enjoyed learning a bit more about life in the UAE.
I’ve been recently experimenting with making my own infused brandies, and this is an easy progression after that. http://asinspiredby.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/take-a-day-cation/ (in this link I talk about how I made apple cinnamon cognac).
Thanks!
I found the same thing when I did this with vodka a while ago. I changed gears and used it as vanilla vodka. Great in a chocolate martini!
awesome! i am so making some later… my rule in baking is “u can never have too much vanilla” so im always running out.
I love to bake so this was a real find. It took mine a few months to really ripen, about 6 but it was worth the wait. I’m sure I’ll never buy another bottle of Vanilla Extract from the supermarket again. You won’t either if you try it.
Wonderful – can´t find decent vanilla extract in Andalucia so will def be giving this a go!
i write a column on natural health and natural foods. I found your article to be very informative, engaging and well-written. I make my own extracts as well; not because they are difficult to find, because I would rather make my own. Thanks for this information.
Appleton’s is a fine, fine choice for the alcohol- I’ve never been happy with the oft referred to vodka. In fact, I might infuse a bottle of Appleton’s with vanilla and apricots for Christmas drinking. Thanks for the inspiration!
sounds good. I’ll give it a go.It never occurred to me that you could make your own vanilla extract.
Interesting dilemma and great solution—to make your own. I have some beans in my cabinet that I will need to get to soaking!
Love this! 😉 Keep up the good work and ill keep following you!!
-Chris Styles
this sounds delish…. i want to do it so bad….unfortunately i am having a hard time finding the fresh vanilla…. are there any online sites where i could by fresh vanilla….
Thanks for the great recipe and the helpful photos.
Thanks for the great recipe!! I will try this
Thanks for the great recipe I will try this tonight…!!
Thank you for your great information. the information about How to make real vanilla extract in time for the holidays is the most important information for all new user and visitor. this help the user who used to tasty vanilla.
Your timing couldn’t have been more perfect ! Thanks!
For those who have a Costco in your area, they may have the fresh beans. I picked some up and it’s cutely packed in a long tube with several vanilla bean “sticks”.
Looking forward to trying this!
Great idea!
Very Ina Garten lol 🙂
Nice photos and great blog which means you guys make a great team! Do you have any nice Jamaican dessert recipes you can share as I would like to make one for some Jamaican friends?
I was just about to try a version of this using glcyerine that a friend of mine tweeted me about. Have you come across that method in your travels?
What a great idea. Just to bad the vanilla beans here are almost more expensive then the alcohol =)
Yum, gonna try it and use in a cocktail recipe.
This is fascinating! In Turkey, alcohol is legal, but the only place I’ve ever seen vanilla extract is at a small fancy market, and its price was prohibitive. Since alcohol is allowed, I will probably just remember to take a bottle of vanilla extract this time :o), but still, great blog entry!
Delicious! It makes no sense to me why it would be illegal if we sell vodka. Amazing photos.
Cool. I guess alcool alone is enough to sterilize the jar though.
Thank you for this recipe … I’ve only ever come across ones for vanilla extract using vodka but I really like the sound of a rum version. I’m looking at the titles of some of your other blogs below as I write and I’m definitely subscribing … they look delicious and I’d like to see more.
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed – and thank you for the insight regarding living in a dry country – I hadn’t realised that it would affect the purchase of vanilla extract!
Cordelia
loving your page and the vanilla exact idea. I live in Germany so it is not so easy to find vanilla exact in my area. So I always use Jamaican rum to substitute. It is funny that you used Jamaican rum and vanilla bean because I have them both in my house and will try this today!
This looks so yummy! I’ll have to try this. Although, aren’t vanilla beans pretty expensive? I dunno, but it’s probably worth it — this looks great!
FYI – the same process works nicely for infusing vanilla into other spirits (bourbon, etc.) for use in mixed drinks.
I always have a batch of vanilla bean infused Jim Beam bourbon on hand (which I call “Vanilla Beam”. When mixed with a cola, it makes an amazing Vanilla Coke.
I love this post. I was at the market the other day in search of vanilla extract. I steered clear of any brand that had the word “imitation” etched across the top. Thank you for the inspiration, Yay! I love to make things from scratch! Getting started on my very own batch later today.
What an AWESOME post!! Thank you so much! Living in a land where alcohol and Costco’s are PLENTIFUL, I’d still like to give this a shot!! We use Vanilla Extract for so many recipes in our home!! I’ve shared your article on my Facebook Page. Thank you so much! Also subscribing to your BLOG. And now, I think I’ll play around in your archives and revel in your awesomeness!!
Brilliant! I was wondering about making vanilla extract just the other day, i’ve got rum and vanilla so i know what this evening holds… This is great, thank you.
Can’t wait to try this! Thanks! 🙂
Wow! This is amazing! I’ve been to Mexico on several mission trips and always bought vanilla because it is pure and very inexpensive. I put vanilla in everything, I’ll have to try this!
I love this post and now hooked on your blog. I live in China and need help like this… often 🙂 Thanks 🙂
For less after taste from your vodka, try using potato vodka. It’s also easier on your digestion. If you travel to Mexico, or have a great connection, the vanilla liqueur to try is called Xanath.
entertaining!!! ill surely prepare one for the holidays… vanilla is my favorite flavor. thankz for sharing! ^_^
Love this and the post below looking even more amazing!!!
Blessings,
Debi
This is amazing! I’ve been to Mexico on several mission trips and always bought vanilla because it is pure and very Delicious
you’re really an inspiration. 🙂
great tip, thanks x
Great post and congrats on being freshly pressed. I found so many pieces of interesting information in one post. Well done. Cheers.
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to try it!
Wow, I never even knew vanilla extract was alcohol based! Oops, showing my ignorance here clearly. Thanks for a great post and thanks to whoever picks out the freshly pressed list for picking this so I get a chance to read this post and all your other wonderful posts!
Wow! This sounds super rummy…I mean yummy 😉
So smart! Thanks for sharing!
Really great read and good information. I brought some back from Mexico that has a distinct flavor from the store stuff. I look forward to making this from scratch and using in my Christmas recipes.
This sounds like a really good recipe. I will definitely try it out.
this is such a great gift giving idea! 🙂
Lovely! My fiance has some of these at home, now I know just what to do with it!
That was an excellent blog. Informative on two levels. I have always enjoyed learning how to do a thing, with my own hands, instead of always relying on retailers. Plus, I’m Muslim, so it’s refreshing to happen across a blog that discusses part of Islamic culture in a way that is light-hearted, and not demonizing.
Interesting. I’d like to try this. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve heard of this but too intimidated to try it…thanks for providing me with easy instructions.
This looks beyond gorgeous! I love vanilla in mostly anything I bake… recipe permitting so it’s wonderful to find a ‘home-made’ recipe! Plus – Rum – amazing!
Thank you for the inspiring and delicious-looking post, I can’t wait to have my own (recycled jar of) vanilla essence!
Rubelle’s Moon
Looks grand! another great holiday smell is cinnamon, I’ve seen those cinnamon brooms in the grocery store, but they are a bit pricey…any other cinnamon ideas?
Wow, so simple.
I stumbled across this by accident. I love to cook and I like the idea of using the best ingredients possible. I will be adding this to my list of things to prepare very soon. Thank you.
What a stunning post! Just today I was researching how to use Vanilla pods for smoothies…. Gorgeous blog! Here in South Africa vanilla pods are thankfully very available- i love them:)
I do a lot of baking and have been wanting to make my own vanilla for many years. Now that I read your post, it’s time to go buy some vanilla beans!! The home-made vanilla should be really tasty in all my cakes, cookies, and the like! Thanks for your post!
LOVE IT! tks.
Really informative. Going to give a try. Thanks!!
This is an interesting topic that you bring up. Continue sharing, i might be back for more! 🙂
Terrence J. White / My Joy In The Morning / http://www.whatisbeyondorganic.net
I always enjoy learning about what every day life is like in other parts of the world, what foods are available, etc. I have always used Vodka to make my vanilla extract, with great results. Looking forward to trying Rum this season. Thanks, I really liked your post.
Excellent, brilliant tips, thanks 🙂
This is great and smiple. With the price of vanilla going up like gas. Thanks a lot, because I do a look of cooking with vanilla.
Will have to try this. Thank you.
Can’t wait to try this out! Thanks for posting love the pictures. 🙂
Very cool blog post. It has been years since I’ve tried making real vanilla– it’s always better home made! Will have to try this again myself. 🙂
wow. should try this soon! when you do have time, do drop by my new space and give me your feedback.
Thanks for the recipe. I can’t wait to try it!
I will definitely be trying this one. The spice souk in Dubai has vanilla beans at a fraction of the price of the supermarket.
Thanks for that suggestion of getting them in the spice market!
I made vanilla extract with vodka and it is wonderful. I let it sit for 3 months. I know that the dear beans do not owe me a thing but was wondering if the beans can still be used for something else after the vanilla has been strained and bottled.
I have used the Captain Morgan put 6 vanilla pods Tongan vanilla seal and let set for 3 to 4 months . it is the best !!!!
My brother in law, the late Chef Tell Erhardt, who operated the Grand Old House restaurant on Grand Cayman Island in the 1980s and 90s, would probably have loved your vanilla tip. Knowing Tell, he would have shared what he knew with you and your readers, too.
Our condolences to you and your family on his passing. We are happy you are keeping his memory alive in such a positive way.
Thank you. Tell passed away on October 26, 2007. Now his life story will give new lessons and hope to millions of his fans, who will learn for the first time how special their “hero” truly was. Even Regis Philbin, who wrote one of the forewords to the book, was fascinated by Tell. — Ron Kule
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