Vanilla Extract

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brandy*
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 or 4 vanilla beans
  

Instructions

1. Chop vanilla beans into small pieces. Do not lose any of the little black seeds.
2. Drop the pieces into a clean jar and cover with brandy and water.
3. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and keep in a dark place, shaking every other day.
4. Vanilla Extract will be ready in about 2 weeks.

Notes

* Vodka, rum or bourbon may also be used, depending on the flavor you want.

Add a tiny bit more brandy if the beans still seem potent.

The mixture can be added to indefinitely.

Use just as you would regular vanilla extract.

Store it anywhere, and it will keep for up to one year.

Attribution

Photo credit: annieseats on VisualHunt