Let's talk about Homemade Vanilla Extract

[@Souperat60]

Good morning friend. I made more vanilla yesterday and I used Bourbon this time. Can’t wait!!! The wait is so so hard. I’m thinking of you Heather this month. I know so many are! I love you and Lord bless you richly sister. Darlene

[@lylymongeon]

I bought a big batch 7+ years ago on ebay (grade B) for a really good price. I plopped them all in a quart jar and topped with rhum (yum!). I have a bottle I fill for baking (just the juice, no beans) and when I decanter into my bottle, I top off the quart jar, is the never ending story of beans remixing with old and new in the making. I have never replenished the mother jar as of yet. Great kitchen investment, I agree.

[@barbarahallowell2613]

4 years ago I made 5 big bottles, 16 oz. each with the ceramic and wire gasket top. I make my own kombucha and had a few empty bottles left. Anyway, I used a combo of grade A and grade B beans, both Madagascar. I left the A beans whole, cut the B beans unto 1 inch pieces. Put them in the bottles with "the cheapest vodka you can buy" gave a shake, then put them in the cupboard. It was June and I was making them for Christmas presents, and 1 for me. Being the first time I'd made it, I kept perking in every few days for like 2 weeks. Then we had a big family emergency and life was turned upside down, the dust didn't settle until around Thanksgiving and I had totally forgotten about "the experiment". I went to have a look and all the bottles looked almost black, if I held it by the window, very dark espresso. I opened one and ohhhh, wow the smell was just so beautiful. I gave it a taste and it was so rich and wonderful. Anyway, I took one of the bottles and split it between 2 more of the same size and topped up and put those at the back to keep going. I gave my Mom, my sister in law, and my 2 best girlie friends each a big bottle for Christmas, with each I added a large glass spice sized jar (about 1/2 cup) with instructions to fill the small bottle with just liquid and use for what you need, and as the big "Mother Bottle" gets to where any beans aren't submerged, just top up with vodka and shake. We all found it was like REALLY STRONG, so if a recipe called for 1 tsp with ours 1/2 tsp was the equivalent. * So 5 years and a couple weeks later all og us still have our originals going strong, last week I added 1 fresh A bean into the Mother Bottle, as I was making a new big round with Kraaken Dark Spiced Rum. I'd made another big round 2 years ago with bourbon, everyone loved it but me. It was smooth, but I don't fancy bourbon, gave it all away. So last year I made a small test batch with Kraaken, LOVED it, like sooo my favorite by a mile, so this year, last week I started the BIG Batch of Kraaken Spiced Rum vanilla. Basically what you said, the initial cost for good vanilla beans can be a bit, but it makes a tin, keeps going and going and tastes a zillion times better than even the bedt expensive store bought. Awesome homemade present too. Ok. That was a Novella length comment! Lol, sorry

[@Pamsmith59]

THANK YOU for sharing! So excited to try the same!

[@aliceserna614]

Almost 40 years ago I was reading the hints in a Southern Living CB and came across the recipe for the vanilla since then I have been making it. Who knew it was so simple? Now adays I check the price of the beans on eBay, Etsy and Amazon before buying. Sometimes what we know we assume everyone knows so thanks for putting it out there.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Just checked Etsy (thanks for the suggestion) and, while I didn’t look at every offering, the 1/2 doz or so I did check either didn’t specify what grade the beans were or they were grade B. Never tried using fresh vanilla beans so I don’t know the difference between A & B. Other than the price. I did see some pretty good ratings though!

[@veronicamoorman1618]

Which do you prefer vodka, rum, or bourbon does spice rum taste really spicy as to taste say in chocolate chip cookies.

[@PaulsRuleofThumb]

Once you have homemade bourbon vanilla you will never go back to store bought.. thanks for the shout out!!🥰👍

[@danielleterry180]

Paul can you use Rum with vanilla bean?

[@taneriapollins9225]

Yes

[@XbullzX1]

So this is brand new to me. Are there any other recommendations beside the Bourbon Vanilla because that sounds like possibly being super close to Heaven almost. But what you use has to balance with the Vanilla. Who has the blog for this?

[@tinavemb]

Danielle Terry I use spiced rum. So yummy

[@maxcrit3481]

Tina Vemb Captain Morgan's works and tastes great.

[@tagalonggal]

I have been on a slightly different vanilla journey. 30 years ago my next door neighbor brought my parents back a bottle of Mexican vanilla extract. A liter was less than $9. And it was delicious in baked goods. I started flying to Cancun every week (flight attendant) and would buy the bottles in the duty free shop in the airport. Still approx $9. So everyone I knew who made a batch of cookies got a bottle that year. When we examined the bottle, we saw it was actually an old liquor bottle. The ingredients listed were vodka and vanilla. When my personal bottle ran out, I bought some vanilla ($12) from a restaurant supply company through a co-op at church. Buy in bulk, divide everything up. Then I started using vanilla beans in homemade ice cream and vanilla bean pound cake and custard. So after I scraped all the seeds out to use in my cooking I just threw the spent pods into my big bottle of vanilla. When I could no longer get the Mexican vanilla or the commercial vanilla I started adding vodka to my vanilla bottle. And making vanilla extract for family. Even made lemon and coconut extracts. Then I read in Cooks Illustrated to heat your vodka and add it to the vanilla beans in a bottle. I did that ONCE, because pouring the hot vodka into the bottle set my counter top on fire. (It was granite so no damage done, but leave it to the America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Illustrated people to make something simple 10x more complicated and dangerous) I have been pouring the straight vodka into the vanilla bottle and haven’t looked back. My sister did bring me back a bottle of Mexican Vanilla after a cruise a few years ago. Now the Mexican bottle is 12 ounces and plastic and is titled “Vainilla” and she won’t tell me how much she paid for it. (Still cheaper than McCormicks) And when it runs out I will just buy some more vodka and pour it in. I am not a drinker (teetotaler) so I know nothing about bourbons, I just stick with vodka.

[@heyfunny3036]

I just watch Ina Garten's clip on what she does with old, unsliced vanilla beans. She snips off an end, and squeezes out pure vanilla paste! It was amazing, of course, these pods were several years old. Then she used the spent, empty pod to flavor sugar in a jar. Vanilla is truly the gift that keeps on giving!

[@skylarfowler7994]

When I fill my jars with the vanilla bean I would it set for six months to a year before I ever use it it gives you the best flavor result

[@jeanweymier2572]

If you leave it for 18 month to 2 years it will be a triple strength and you can use less of it!!

[@jameshigginbothamiii8703]

So far, I've watched 3 or 4 different videos on making homemade vanilla extract, here's what I've found out: 1) you can use bourbon, rum, or vodka; 2) most cut the beans in half and then cut them open, this lady doesn't cut them at all; 3) there are different jars to use; 4) one lady made it a point to keep any metal from the top of the jar lid coming into contact with the extract; 5) length of time before use can go from 6 weeks to 12 weeks to 18 weeks, and even longer...one thing all agree upon, the longer the better. I may make 2 bottles of each, 2 w/ bourbon, 2 w/ rum (one lady had spiced rum the other regular rum), and 2 with vodka...maybe I should make 1 of each to see which one I would like to make more of. This is really cool.

[@Toni-fn1vt]

Thanks for the tip on not splitting the beans. I was price checking vanilla 2 weeks ago, and was shocked, SHOCKED, at how expensive the good stuff was. And oh so grateful I still had a small jar of decent stuff in the pantry!

[@patriciazepeda9618]

I have not been a big baker. These last few years pushed me to teach my 17 year the basics. Thank you! We have a lot to learn.

[@sandieyule1644]

I didn't realize how easy it was to make your own vanilla. When we would go on a cruise we would always buy vanilla in the islands and bring it home. Now I will have to give this a try! Thank You Heather!!!

[@petrusdj8416]

I’ve watched several videos and I’m going with your recommendation. Thanks and blessings. Prayers for you and your family.

[@brandiray3529]

Hi sweetie, thanks for the info making tonight and as always love and continued prayers ❤

[@isabellaagbashe5289]

Thank you ma'am. Your wealth of knowledge is most appreciated. Love from Nigeria...

[@michellegousios566]

I did not know you could just reuse vanilla beans over and over again. Very cool. I love watching you videos!

[@raysmetzer3153]

Funny I have had a totally different experience. I tried reusing beans. It makes inferior vanilla. A lot of people on KZbin say it’s ready in a few months. It is not, unless it’s an emergency. Definitely 14 to 18 months for best results. Bourbon overpowers the vanilla flavor dramatically. Basically lots of whiskey flavors and a hint of vanilla flavor. Another KZbin misconception. Seen many videos saying the same things. For best results use vodka and wait 14 months before using. Easy peasy and done. Love your bubbly personality!

[@harkless8231]

One more thing, I love that you make vanilla over and over using the same beans and just adding a bean here and there! -- Shirley

[@lonagros5567]

Imagine homemade vanilla in coffee! I can think of so many uses. Thank you for this video. Very informative.

[@Mud-Sock-Girl]

That sounds nice. I will also try adding it to my iced coffee and also to my homemade cashew & oat milk. Thank you for the idea :)

[@timothyjones9430]

DO NOT use vanilla extract in coffee! You will use all your vanilla too fast.. ITS TOOOOOO GOOD! Trust me. I know. And the other thing is that because its SOOOOOOOO good.... I drink toooooooo much and get buzzed too early in the morning because its alcohol. . lololollo

[@margaretbedwell58]

This was a timely video Heather, I just used the last of my vanilla Sunday and was in dismay over the cost of a bottle at Costco. I will be ordering beans today. Thank you for all your information on this, I really appreciate it. Have a Blessed day.

[@NolongerFromCali]

I use both Volka & Bourbon & sometimes together depending what I have on hand. I also use the full bean. When I first started making vanilla I cut the beans. I mostly make the vanilla for my family & when I worked I would give out as Christmas gifts. Huge money saver & my daughters/daughter-in-law come over for refills a few times per year. Love your videos, I feel like I'm sitting in your kitchen with you.

[@aphillips5376]

When you give your vanilla as gifts do you include a few beans in the bottle or no?

[@Simply_Helen]

Hi :) I know this is a year old, but I've been reading up and watching videos on making vanilla extract. What I've learned is that grade b is actually preferred as it's main purpose is for extraction. Grade A works, but grade b is preferred. A lot of people do reuse their beans and that's fine for home use. But, if you're going to sell it, the FDA requirements are 1 oz of vanilla bean per 8 oz of alcohol. Also, beans really should not be reused. People do reuse them, and you'll get extract, but then it's no longer in compliance with FDA guidelines because pert of the vanilla bean potency is gone. Once the bottle is being used the vanilla beans should be removed. You can use the discarded seeds and make vanilla sugar. If you do decide to leave the beans in, don't leave them exposed ... they should remain under liquid or they can become rancid. So, you should refill to the top. Again, that's if you're not overly concerned about making it per FDA guidelines. If you are, then you need to discard the beans after initial use. Making it this way in this video is fine and appropriate for home use. Just saying it wouldn't be appropriate for commercial use.

[@annabanabanana]

I was wondering the same thing on how her beans don’t get moldy being the whole height of the bottle. I have always been told they should be covered or they go bad in the bottle.

[@kellyball4051]

@@annabanabanana Alcohol in the bottles is already coating the beans, therefore, it is less likely to mold at all.

[@rhyaangwin7756]

I always have a couple 3 batches of vanilla going in mason jars... I love giving it as gifts in fun bottles I find at dollar tree, walmart or Michaels & had found alot of great bottles at thrift stores which I used a last year when I made flavored oils & vinegars for gifts.. thanks for your great video!

[@sandycox29]

Prayers sent.

[@patsyhelms1102]

Hi So glad to find your video. Have been making home made vanilla for about ten years. Have tried different kinds vodka but finally moved on to brandy and rum. Like you I just add new beans every so often haven’t gotten rid of any beans. Have given many bottles to friends and they all love it. The Madagascar beans are very expensive now. Just ordered from Amazon last week. $ 50.00 dollars for 50 beans. Worth it.

[@catmom1322]

I use bourbon all the time & I like it really well!

[@dawnholley8223]

I actually just started making my own! So excited!

[@terikc2012]

A couple of years ago my husband & I made a bunch of homemade vanilla extract. Gave away some for Christmas gifts and have kept the rest. I won't need to make any more for a number of years. There is nothing like homemade!!!!

[@orlandl.blanchard5423]

Continuing to watch your playlist.

[@araceliadams34]

I've been saving my Olive Oil. Bottles because they are the dark green glass and I plan on filling them up with my home made Vanilla. I did soak and washed the jar real good.

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Heather.❤️🙏

[@halfanewfie2]

I've had my vanilla bottle since 2012. Maker's Mark Bourbon

[@Nicole76720]

What a great video! This is fantastic! I can't wait to make this! Thank you.

[@FBIagent22-q1d]

Brandy has made the best vanilla for me. I love it.

[@329crys]

I have not purchased vanilla since your first video showing how you make it. So thank you for that❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ can't even imagine the money I've saved. Hugs!!!

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

That’s wonderful! 🥰

[@tammyhanlon5491]

I’m getting my beans in the mail today . I’m so excited.

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

Did you make yours yet?😆👏🏻

[@tammyhanlon5491]

@@TheKneadyHomesteader yes I made 6 bottles that weekend and just made 7 more last night.

[@adm6785]

I'm on year 7 with my beans, and they still look great. After watching your video, I'm thinking it may be about time to add a few more. lol You're so right about not cutting them, which is how i learned initially. The ones I cut didn't last very long. :( Another thing my Nana taught me was to take a 5-6 inch bean and put it into 10lbs of sugar. The extra flavor it gives baked goods and coffee is fantastic! She also put a bean into her flour sack.

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

That is awesome!

[@JessimalPoint]

Have you ever had to worry about mold on the beans that aren't covered by the vodka/bourbon once you start using a bottle?

[@redheadsrule2785]

Wow, I never would have thought to put them in sugar! Thank you 🙌

[@tonyamcchesney5166]

I learned how to make this 2 years ago and I made enough for all my relatives that I gave Christmas gifts to. Different size bottles, like the ones you showed are at Hobby Lobby. A cute little 2 oz. bottle was $1.99.

[@terrytt2932]

started my Vanilla 2013 in a liter bottle of vodka. I add to it as needed and have added spiced rum and bourbon through the years. I pour out an 8 ounce jar as needed but keep the big bottle tucked away in the dark. It's WONDERFUL!!

[@marcellamunoz1602]

I made homemade vanilla this summer so I can use it for holiday baking. I to have a jar to tall for my cabinets will go out and try to find the bottle you have. Great tip

[@Mizpah2195]

I think this would make a fantastic gift for friends and family!! I started making my own with Vodka app. a year ago and love it. Now, I need to try it with bourbon. Thanks Heather!!

[@natalieangelo54]

I NEVER KNEW YOU COULD MAKE YOUR OWN , WOW IM GOING TO TRY THIS , CAUSE I USE ALOT OF VANILLA THANK YOU HEATHER

[@patprettyman3792]

I make my own also. i have 4 bottles going at a time. And folks that BUY it, they add water to the store bought. Mine is cheep 80% proof and vanilla beans slit in half. Pat in Oregon.

[@brendastrandrigdon6201]

Oh Heather i'm jumping for joy as I just read aldi have purchased land in Pensacola so maybe all the campaigning I did got them to think hmmm maybe we should look there 💕👍 I have vanilla parking on my shelf right now I just top it off now and then and I put some split beans in gallon jar of sugar too 👍 now I need to go shake them

[@suevandenhoek1857]

Awesome share, Heather! I haven't tried the bourbon, but plan to with my next batch- you've inspired me to try it. By the way, have you made your own fruit vinegars? They are just as easy as this. I put the raspberries you get in those 6 oz. containers at the store (thoroughly rinsed, of course) in a pint jar, fill it up with white wine vinegar, put the lid on, and put it in a cool dark cupboard. Shake it when you think of it and in two weeks? Voilà! Strain out the berries and you've got amazing vinegar...

[@leed3796]

I never realized how easy it was to make your own vanilla! I'm definitely going to do this!

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

I hope you will!

[@pamkrebes967]

I have also made vanilla extract with Captain Morgan's spiced rum awesome for fall baking yummy

[@vickytooley5945]

Thank you so much Heather! Your videos are always fun and so helpful! Enjoy your day🥰

[@katherinestocking3490]

Heather, I also have been making my own vanilla. Fyi, try rum. yes, rum. It is incredible ! Had one the merchants that visit Greenfield Village in the fall and recommended it. So glad I did. You know you can make your own orange (lemon,lime, mint ect.) extract as well. thank you for all that you share. I learn so much.

[@sharonnagy7038]

Dark, Amber or White. Which Rum is best?

[@highplainsliving1953]

Hubby bought me a hat of Captain Morgan black rum yesterdar. I sometimes use spiced rum. We have 2 jars going most of the time.

[@danielleterry180]

Katherine Stocking sooo glad I can use Rum been asking and didn’t see your comment till now have a bottle and figure I don’t drink (got it from a Christmas secret Santa) but can use it finally lol

[@jeanweymier2572]

@@sharonnagy7038 Try spiced! I heard it was fantastic.

[@nebula0024]

Thanks for putting together this video! I've been seriously considering making my own vanilla extract for some time and have only recently started gathering the required components. Your video is very helpful!

[@paulam9838]

I'm ordering my beans right now on amazon. Thank you SO much for this video. I am SO making it. THANK YOU!!! :)

[@brendalawrence6732]

Thank you Heather, for doing this video! I've been wanting to make my own vanilla for a while now. Hugs, Brenda

[@chereecroft4673]

Heather, this video was so helpful. I was gifted a bottle of homemade vanilla by my sister in law in 2013. I just now need to refill, I will be going out this week to buy bourbon to refill thank you for the tidbit.

[@BeachKid74-ct2ob]

I have a jar going with coconut rum, and another with a local bourbon! I tried to time it to be ready for holiday cooking!!!

[@libbyleatherwood6940]

I have been making my own vanilla for about 3 years now. I have only used vodka, but I am definitely going to give the bourbon a try! Thanks again Heather, love your videos!

[@juanitasparkes3374]

I was lucky. A few years ago I heard that certain parts of the world where most of the vanilla beans are commonly grown had environmental damage and that it had affected the plants. So I started buying two bottles of vanilla from Sam's Club for a few months, (price was.still only about $7 a bottle). When it does to $16 a bottle I called it quits and have nursed my supply sparingly the last few years. I am on my last bottle and have a decent stock pile of beans saved from lucky sales, combined with Costco selling five beans (was three) for $15, I am going to start making my own in some empty clean avocado bottles. My Mom always said to keep homemade oils and extracts in dark colored glass, so that's what I do. Thanks for the heads up on using bourbon instead of vodka. I am not a fan vodka can and prefer the flavor of bourbon anyway!

[@patmancrowley8509]

I am so relieved that you've said that you prefer bourbon because a year and a half ago I put twenty some odd vanilla beans into a quart mason jar and filled it with Makers Mark bourbon. I haven't used it yet and am looking forward to making some cookies and New York style cheese cake.

[@mbwelsh65]

I like your tip to keep beans whole instead of splitting them and choice of bottles.

[@BeachKid74-ct2ob]

OH!!! And I think the bean pro you mentioned has changed his theory… he splits them AND leaves them in the sunny window sill… they’ve redone some studies that show it makes it ‘age’ faster and doesn’t affect the flavor!!!

[@SabrinaSauce]

Nice! I don't have those nice bottles, but last week I took two 1 pint mason jars, stuck 5 sticks of vanilla in each, topped them off with vodka, and am having them sit in the cellar until ready! :)

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

that will work!!!!😁👏🏻

[@wholoveskitty]

I sent my husband to a local run of the mill chain grocery store for real vanilla, $14 for a 2oz bottle! I was gob smacked! I’m ordering some grade B Madagascar vanilla beans and getting some bourbon! Thanks for the video! ❤️

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

you will love homemade bourbon vanilla!🤩

[@BumbleBeeJunction]

Thanks so much for the breakdown on your vanilla ! Looks wonderful !

[@mspat8195]

🙋‍♀️ Lady, I missed this one . . . . . What an AweSome gift! Heart~to~Heart gentle 🤗 🙏's 💞~👵

[@chelemichele1524]

I will need to do this... almost fainted when I went and bought it last. Have a good evening ☃️☃️☃️

[@juanitasimmons7113]

I am making my own vanilla extract today. Thank you Heather!!

[@eyem4freedom]

thank you so much for this video! I was contemplating on buying imitation vanilla for a while since the cost is so high!

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

Noooooooo 😝😝😝😝 imitation vanilla is 🚫🚫🚫🚫 !!! 🤣 You are who this video was for, clearly!

[@kathyvaughn5546]

I'm in the process of making vanilla extract with vodka and with spiced rum. Now I need to try it with bourbon. Thanks!!

[@LacyO86]

Do they not mold at all when sitting out of the liquor in the bottle? I've seen people say before they need to be covered 🤔

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

I’ve never had that problem.

[@lisawoods9391]

OH MY GOODNESS!! I saw something today, where someone actually used Captain Morgan spiced Rum, with their vanilla beans, to make a spiced vanilla~ ! After seeing that, I'm going to try that one now, just to see how it tastes!

[@mollyjoy7820]

I have beans in spiced rum now! It smells so much better than the vodka and bourbon batches. I can’t wait to taste! Best of luck with your vanilla!

[@shannoncook9915]

I just started a batch last week!

[@veronicamoorman1618]

@@mollyjoy7820 you don't taste the alcohol flavor do you...I guess you would taste the spice flavor but would you like that in chocolate chip cookies??? Doesn't the alchohol evaporate when cooking ...just can't see spice flavor in cookies that is my concern. You have made this so am I worried about nothing. Thanks

[@Nonayabizness360]

We just used a couple and it lasted us for years. Best vanilla we ever had and we need to make some more. I am kicking myself for not making extra while we had the bottle we did. Make it, you won’t regret it and you won’t ever go back! We used cheap vanilla to. We just used the vodka bottle beck we got a glass one. 😍

[@reddy05353]

How much Vanilla Beans you put in the bottle?

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

For about 8oz of liquor, use 5-7 beans. It's not a super strict ratio. The more the better.

[@reddy05353]

The Kneady Homesteader Thank you for replying! I enjoyed your video with the subtitles.

[@dugchris2009]

Yes it is so much better. Thanks for the tip about not spitting them. That's what I was doing. Now this will save me even more money! Take care!

[@loramcclamrock5549]

Looking forward to making this. Watching and praying for you and your family ❤️❤️🙏🙏 Lora

[@Stephenrsm7600]

Also, thank you for the links to Amazon for different items!!! You always make things SO convenient for us and I wanted to tell you Thank You!!!

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

You are so welcome! Glad I can help! xoxoxo

[@Stephenrsm7600]

@@TheKneadyHomesteader This is why I just love you as a KZbinr and a person!!!! SO humble and kind!!! I pray that G_d can help me to be as humble and kind as you are!!! Your husband and kids hit the Jackpot!!!! XOXOXO

[@LivingOffTheLand]

Never thought of this. Makes sense. Last bottle I bought was over 35$ for the real stuff. So happy to see this. Going to be trying this soon. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

Such a crazy price!! 💸

[@ts-qc8nu]

I made my first bottle of home vanilla 3 months ago. I used Jim Beam Vanilla Bourbon, because why not its vanilla. I have not tested it yet, I made it to send to my sister. I also made a bottle of chilly pepper extract to send to her, I used vodka for that one. All the videos I found were rather dated. I am thrilled to see a new one as I am just learning about doing this, there was no real ideas that I found in which is better, some said to scrap the beans from the pod and only use that where as others said to chop the pods into piece where others even still just used the entire pod (which is what I did).

[@katiesell677]

Ahh! I’m soo happy you made this video!! Making vanilla has been on my mind a lot lately!! Thank you!!! Very helpful! I will let you know how it goes!! 😁😁

[@candylyman6429]

I have always used rum. I just put the beans in the rum container. I keep a small bottle in the kitchen that I refill.

[@coopie624]

Wow! I’m heading to the liquor store! Thanks!

[@glennagoss7335]

I just made a batch, so excited❤

[@cricketcricket9749]

I just did 4 jars of vanilla. One with rum, one with whisky, one with vodka and one with bourbon. When I get my next beans, I'm going to try a jar of clear moonshine!

[@juliemilliron849]

I made my first batch last year. I made 1/2 gal mason jar with vodka and let it set for six months. I gave many small bottles as Christmas gifts. 2 months after starting the first batch I watched a video of using spiced rum. I have 1/2 gal jar of that to compare. Now I want to try the burbon.

[@StephenPaulTroup]

Love your video & enthusiasm for pure Vanilla Extract! My wife and I started Vanilla Love USA last year, we import and sell Tahitian Vanilla Beans at very reasonable prices. We hope we can be your next Vanilla Bean purchase! Currently we are on Facebook, Etsy & Ebay, soon to be on Amazon :) . Happy Baking & Extracting!

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

small mom and pop business????

[@StephenPaulTroup]

@@TheKneadyHomesteader Yes we are a small start up :)

[@StephenPaulTroup]

@@TheKneadyHomesteader Yes, it's just me and my wife and we both have full-time jobs. Trying to grow it step by step :)

[@stacid.1186]

I made a gallon of vanilla about 8 years ago. Its almost like syrup and sooo amazing. I made it right in the vodka bottle. I refill my bottles. Still have half left.. I have some vanilla bourbon and vanilla sugar also.... Best thing I ever did...Thanks for sharing

[@eyem4freedom]

oh.. that makes sense- just stick the vanilla beans right in the alcohol bottle!!!

[@stacid.1186]

@@eyem4freedom that's just how I do it.. Everyone has their own method lol

[@katbatt9693]

How many beans do you add to a 750ml bottle? and how long do you cure it?

[@Nicole76720]

I made my vanilla extract! I used Bourbon. I bought the jars from the dollar tree! Awesome, thanks again.

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

nice!😁👏🏻❤️

[@kathymullihan2963]

I was taught to use vodka and 4-5 beans for a 750 mil bottle. Every time a pour off some into a smaller bottle I add more vodka to the original. I've been told that the pods will last for years in the vodka. I originally waited 3-4 months before I tried the vanilla and its great especially when used with your brown sugar.

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

oh! thanks for sharing the ratio! ❤️

[@LifefromAshes001]

Sending my Love Heather 💕😄☕🍁 just made this with you!! Luv from Ontario Canada xoxo zone 5a God Bless

[@leemartin9156]

I just bought a vanilla bean pkg at health food store (2 beans) for ~ $12 plus tax, but wanted to try this. Thank you for another new project to do during 2020!

[@leemartin9156]

I did a spur of the moment stop at liquor store and got JD Gentleman Jack n Ever clear to try with. I have not tried either before (drinking or otherwise lol), so if anyone has some thoughts....

[@missmartpants2269]

Finally did it tonight, can't wait to taste it in a few months. God bless!

[@TheKneadyHomesteader]

Rock on! Just give the bottle a shake from time to time!

[@valeriecasse1207]

Spiced rum is also excellent!

[@Stephenrsm7600]

Miss Heather, thank you SO much for sharing how to make vanilla!!!! I assume that you prefer Jim Beam bourbon over other liquors??? I did hear you say that vodka is not as good as bourbon?? I was watching someone making vanilla and he had it with Capt Morgan Spiced Rum also. Bless you for sharing who you do things!!! Love you and your channel!!!!

[@cherylj4094]

I've made my vanilla for years with vodka and vanilla beans. Best stuff ever.

[@nanettedoerr4396]

Thank you, thank you, thank you .... for this very informative video. Can't wait to try making my own vanilla bourbon extract. Wouldn't this make a great gift!!! Blessings to you. Hoping you and your family are healing in. Take baby steps......

[@janecantrell7155]

Great information!!! $35 bottle does cause one to pause!!

[@dianarivera65]

Thank you! Happy Holidays

[@patricemichel4896]

Wow that is amazing. I tried cheap vodka and never have liked it and have mpt used it. Now I will try the bourbon. Thank you

[@cherylmathe3170]

Do your beans dry out of they're out of the bourbon?

[@jefflaporte2598]

Vanilla flavored bourban ounds amazing. I have vanilla beans on the way this week and was going to get vodka but after seeing this, bourban it is.

[@beckyworoshello3822]

How long does the vanilla bean last? How many times do you refill the alcohol before throwing out the bean?

[@lesliemonty31]

What a great video! I love true vanilla and the flavor it lends to dishes