Secret to Best Tasting Baked Goods | Homemade Vanilla Extract

The secret to exceptionally good baking is homemade vanilla extract. The best part of making it from scratch is that the flavors just get better over time! Make this recipe three to six months before your holiday baking for the best homemade treats this year.
For the written instructions, visit the blog post here: melissaknorris...
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Links Mentioned:
- Azure Standard: This video is sponsored by Azure Standard. Right now, until October 31st, 2022 all new customers who place a minimum order of $50 can receive 10% off by using code "MKN10" at checkout: melissaknorris...
- Homemade Mint Extract: melissaknorris...
- Non-alcohol Extract: melissaknorris...
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Howdy! I'm so glad you're here. I'm Melissa from Pioneering Today and a 5th generation homesteader where I'm doing my best to hold onto the old traditions in a modern world and share them with others.
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#vanillaextract #homemadevanillaextract #vanilla

[@janinawaz4596]

I legit thought that Melissa was going to show us her 18 foot long vanilla orchid and her orchid shelter, because she is just that gangsta with her DIY skillz.

[@tamarasteck6746]

Thank you for addressing vodka alternatives as well as different types of vanilla beans. I really appreciate that!

[@fairytale_after_dark6696]

Those of you with a good blender or food processor can grind up your spent vanilla bean pods and mix with granulated sugar. It is beautiful. Alternatively dry off the spent pods and just stick them in your sugar jar. Does the same job but just not as strong in flavour. Vanilla sugar is really nice in tea and for baking. Nothing going to waste with vanilla.💝

[@paulroberts1799]

I love vanilla sugar. I bake with it all the time.

[@hardnaaklife]

If you're thinking about making your first batch, go with Madagascar beans. That'll give you that classic vanilla flavor, but better since it's homemade.

[@madmecyr]

Use scissors to slice open or chop into bits. So much easier!

[@ceebee2907]

That's what I do, also.

[@deanlynema1915]

Homesteaders know how to party. Vanilla shots all around! 😆

[@forrestgump9576]

So much worth the wait!!! I have a batch that is 2 years old and I can't tell you how GOOD it is! Not to mention it is fantastic as a hot toddy when you have a bad chest cold! And yes, there is a world of gluten free vodkas out there. Tree Vodka is made from apples, there is Quinoa Vodka and Maple syrup Vodka.

[@andreacorrington5432]

Just last week (for my birthday) a friend gave me all the materials to make homemade vanilla extract!! Such a cool gift!! How perfectly timed your video is! Can’t wait to try it out and it’s definitely given me the bug to make more, I think it will be our gift for the neighbors this Christmas. 💖

[@MyHeritageHome]

I was inspired by one of your posts years ago to start making my own vanilla extract. You are right, you never turn back to store bought!!! I had to do a lot of research before I started making vanilla extract, though, because I personally do not like Vodka, but wanted a clear alcohol. I have found that White Rum works beautifully and I love the flavor. I've only used Madagascar Bourbon Grade A vanilla beans and White Rum. I can't attest to other combination flavors, but I can attest that what I've steeped over the years is so buttery and flavorful. Everyone in my family/friend groups love the holiday vanilla extract gifts! Thank you for all you share and for the inspiration!

[@Userxyz-z2d]

I cant stand vodka either. I prefer The Boubon too.

[@TheLiberatedMulti-Tasker]

Made my first batch in Feb. Should be ready to use. I only used 20 beans for 1/2 gallon. Smells delicious I had a hard time trying to figure out how many beans to use. I will try using more 32-40 beans per 1/2 gallon next time. 😃

[@robincoleman7217]

Should use 1 oz beans for every 8 oz vodka for best results.

[@MrJasonwoodrow]

The distilling process that creates the vodka also removes gluten and other proteins from vodka. If flavoring is added by a company afterward, then that could re-introduce gluten if the flavoring contains it.

[@zomerbloesem9371]

Wow, I didn’t know it was that easy to make. We always used vanilla essence but recently they disappeared out of the stores and only bourbon vanilla extract is being sold which are rather sugar-y, so this is amazing timing for video again :D

[@baysickleebuck]

Always happy to see someone promoting homemade vanilla, but there is a lot of wrong information in this video. 1. The ratio you used is half of store bought single-fold extra. It's half of the required FDA ratio needed to be called "single-fold" (single strength). You can find charts all over with the correct amount. An easy rule to remember is 1oz of beans to 8oz of alcohol. Never measure by bean, always weight. I recommend making double-fold (double strength) since you're going to wait at least a year for the extraction. For double-fold, simply double the amount of beans to alcohol, so 2oz of beans to 8oz of alcohol. 2. You can use a wide variety of alcohol, but it's very important that it's at least 80 proof (40% ABV) to extraction and maintain a safe shelf life, indefinitely. Also, darker alcohols like rums, bourbons, etc, take longer to extract (18 months instead of a year). I recommend grain alcohol like Everclear that's been diluted with distilled water to between 80-100 proof. You'll let the bean flavor shine and it's a great value. 3. Three months is not nearly enough. They will not be fully extracted at 6 months even. At one year you can decant and use the same beans with half the alcohol for a second extract. Or, you can make paste with the expected beans. Never throw away those beans, they have so many uses. Again, there is a lot of misinformation here. Even more I can't cover. I'd recommend finding one of the good Facebook groups if you want much more accurate information and better results with your extract. Don't forget you can make vanilla paste, vanilla powder, vanilla sugar, vanilla salt, etc. There are so many cool uses for it.

[@MelissaKNorris]

I used an ounce of beans but misspoke when I said 1/2 ounce, the blog post with the printable recipe shows the correct amount. Unfortunately KZbin doesn't allow you to edit a video once it's published.

[@baysickleebuck]

@@MelissaKNorris Understandable. Hopefully you're video inspires lots of new vanilla bean friends to give it a try.

[@Userxyz-z2d]

Mine is 3 yrs old. Its ok but I wouldnt say its better than expensive brand vanilla extract. I also use vanilla paste which is good.

[@ForeverGodsGirl03]

What was your recipe?

[@paulroberts1799]

FDA recommends 1 ounce of vanilla beans to 8 ounces of alcohol. I’m sure your vanilla comes out good. I left my vodka extract for 12 months minimum, white rum 14-18 months and dark rum or bourbon 24 months. Making your own extract is the absolute best.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good morning Melissa. I'm definitely going to try making some homemade vanilla extract made from scratch. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Wednesday. 😊😊

[@RunninUpThatHillh]

I let mine sit for 18 months. MM good. I decanted it and then just threw in more vodka and got two jars out of one pile of vanilla. :D So don't forget to do it twice.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

@@RunninUpThatHillh Sounds good. Thanks!

[@reginast.pierre5566]

Thank you for sharing, can't wait to try this!

[@loriandrew6690]

I have several jars of vanilla extract using different beans. I’ll never buy vanilla extract again. Homemade is the best.

[@vanillaloveusa369]

We are Vanilla Love USA, a micro-small maker of Pure Vanilla extract. We make Pure Vanilla Extract in artisanal batches and finish our curing process in Oak Whiskey Bourbon Barrels for a delightfully complex flavor. I'd put ours up against anyone's and we are less than half the cost of name brands. We also import Vanilla Beans for resell to the N. American market. You can find us @ Vanilla Love USA. Thank you!

[@tanillecramer3915]

I’ve got a batch going now in spiced rum

[@leeannmccotter9438]

Brandy is also a good one to use.

[@lucythomas4077]

Thanks for the information. Any ideas on homemade hot coco for the winter months? Thanks

[@renamaemcdonald2075]

Thanks for the great info. I really need to make my own vanilla extract!

[@user-xf8yy7jm3f]

I buy my beans from Indri Vanilla. Have been buying from them for many years. They are a co-op on Facebook.

[@paulawallace6688]

Thank you for doing this video. This has been on my list to do. Glad you said to use organic vodka. I never thought about that and thank you so much for your azure code. I had put my order in last night but it hadn't closed yet and so it let me use it. Thanks!!!

[@melissajohnson5917]

Hi Melissa! Love your channel. Would like to know what plastic bowl with lid u use for your NO KNEAD BREAD? Thanks much in advance!

[@Reinolds_Recipes]

Oh wow so good! Wish I could taste haha… keep sharing please :) I’m subscribed! 😍

[@SwampyAcresHomestead]

Thanks for sharing have a great day

[@blessedmama8133]

Is there a way to make this without alcohol? We do not keep it in our home. Thanks!

[@danielcarlsen2217]

Cut the beans have the blades about 45degrees it will cut easier and safer

[@virginiachai5697]

Off topic, but did I miss anything about your new property? Thanks for all the great content!

[@gloriagiefer3013]

Do you have a video for making almond extract

[@MoovinOnEstateSales]

Azure is out of stock ugh - hopefully they'll get more in soon - I order from them every month so as soon as they do I can't wait to make this. Made your fermented salsa, everything from my garden will get to try that tonight! Thank you, love your channel.

[@gloriagiefer3013]

How long should I let my almond extract steep

[@gloriagiefer3013]

Where did you get your bottles

[@abfromrio]

Do I ever have to wash the bottle or jar when I make a new batch, or it's OK to just fill it up with new vanilla beans and vodka?

[@stagecoachist]

Fry out your beans for 3 days and grind vanilla powder oh yeah

[@helennelmes7560]

Ya me too!

[@loricrane395]

If I use this vanilla in candy etc. that is not baked would it be to strong of alcohol for kids to eat the candy?

[@rosa632]

I’ve never made homemade vanilla extract, BUT I’d like to try. Where can you purchase good quality vanilla beans? Azure doesn’t have them on their site. 🤔

[@lilybee_]

I order beans from Amazon.

[@rosa632]

@@lilybee_, Thank You! I’ll have to take a look there.

[@vanillaloveusa369]

Well done! We are Vanilla Love USA, a micro-small maker of Pure Vanilla extract. We make Pure Vanilla Extract in artisanal batches and finish our curing process in Oak Whiskey Bourbon Barrels for a delightfully complex flavor. I'd put ours up against anyone's and we are less than half the cost of name brands. We also import Vanilla Beans for resell to the N. American market. You can find us @ Vanilla Love USA. Thank you!

[@marygrenson9468]

I have a question, hoping you can help with. I made some vanilla about 6 months ago but it’s still an amber color, can I open the jars and cut the beans open more, as not sure I opened them enough, will that ruin the vanilla. Then seal them back up again??

[@kingspal99]

u can dot it behind ur ear lol my mom did

[@iamhis5580]

What kind of rum do you use? And how long is this good for?

[@abbiebarnes2200]

Why buy another container? I always buy a pretty bottle of vodka, and put the beans in the vodka bottle lol...I been making it before you were born by the way lmao!

[@EKA201-j7f]

What a thought!

[@ceebee2907]

I do this also! I use Tito's vodka because they donate to animal shelters and give them to my animal rescue friends.

[@tbetterman]

Where do you get organic vodka?

[@sabrinasantiago4893]

Aren't the beans supposed to stay covered with alcohol so mold does not grow?! Is that a thing?!

[@nancymerlo]

I just went on Azure Standard and they don't even have these as "out of stock" ... they just aren't there. Do you know if Azure Standard still carries them or not? Or, where else I can find these sold in bulk ... they are so expensive!

[@Carol32547]

Where do you buy your beans? Those dudes are expensive anywhere I have looked

[@lisarussell2654]

IndriVanilla is a wonderful source for vanilla beans and they have a co-op group on Facebook as well!

[@beckyharris6367]

I love them. You can purchase from the retail store or for a cheaper rate you can get in on a group buy.

[@hahna77]

Right. It's $16 for 2 little pods at my grocery store. I was thinking "how is she using like $200 in beans for this?"

[@fludrbywest3886]

Now I understood that the recomended recipe is 1 oz vanilla beans to 8oz of alcohol. For a full recipe. ?

[@wobdeehomestead]

How is the new house coming along?

[@Marcel41021]

I use a single edge razor blade to slice my vanilla beans.

[@bensturges7412]

Why don't you just run beans through food processor?

[@stagecoachist]

Dry

[@kingspal99]

80%??? I got that I use kitchen scissors