I often wish that through life we would have to wear name badges. I have a terrible memory for names. Faces, I remember even with carefully rejigging of hair and makeup and the erosion throughout years, but names, forget it. That part of my memory is now taken up with all thoughts of food. Hang on! That’s an idea! Name everyone that I meet after a food.
“Oh hello yes sausage roll, we met a few weeks ago. Nice to see you again!”
or
“Yes of course New York cheesecake, we spoke last year!”
Anyone up for this? Whilst my memory for names is shaky, my memory for smells is acute and if I smell anything vaguely like that of my childhood I turn into a small, skinny, odd young girl all over again. The smell of vanilla is of course one of the most desirable and in baking it is an essential ingredient in the kitchen. It enhances so many baked goods. I of course go through loads of it and I was thinking that I should start to buy it in bulk.
When first added, the liquid is clear
But then I came across a post from my friend Celia who made her own vanilla extract. By George I think she had the answer to my supply dilemma! And if you were in any doubt about how easy it is to make your very own vanilla extract, she simply adds vanilla beans to vodka and steeps it for 8 weeks! Yes that is it believe it or not.
Celia also explains why it is better to make it at home. “When vanilla extract is made commercially, chopped beans are boiled up and percolated through a base alcohol. This is done to maximise the extraction from the beans in the shortest possible time. By contrast, cold macerating the pods for several months is a gentle process, and the vanilla aroma and flavour extracted from the beans is very pure and clean, without any stewed or cooked overtones. You’ll be able to taste the difference in your baking.” And voila, before you know it you have a huge amount of vanilla extract complete with seeds! Edited to add: And like many have mentioned, these make excellent Christmas presents! 
So tell me Dear Reader, what is your favourite aroma or smell memory? And are you as bad at remembering names as I am?
Within days, the colour turns to amber, then ithin weeks, a deep dark gold
Made From Scratch: Vanilla Extract
- 750ml bottle of vodka (I used a bottle of Stolichnaya vodka I was sent)
- 6-9 vanilla beans
- Bottles to place them in-I used 3x bottles that held roughly 1 cup in each
Buyer’s tip: If you are in Sydney, inexpensive and good vanilla beans can be bought at Alfalfa House in Enmore (about $1.25 each, no minimum purchase)
1. With a small paring knife, slice vanilla beans in half and scrape out the beans with the blunt side of the knife. Place the seeds in the bottles. Do this to the remaining seeds with three beans per bottle.
2. Top with vodka and allow to steep for 4-8 weeks. You can keep adding scraped vanilla pods to this too to increase the vanilla aroma. I occasionally shook it once or twice during this process and watched it from from a clear liquid to a dark amber. You can decant some to use and top up the bottle with the vanilla beans to make more.
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119 Comments | Add your own
A great tip/recipe.
Cheers,
Rosa
Someone told me last week that you can make vanilla extract from scratch which intrigued me – you make it look so simple though! I think I will do it!
Oh I love the smell of lavender and chamomile! Then I simply forget the rest — haha.
I was taken a back with the whole vanilla extract thing. “Simply add vanilla beans to vodka and steep it for 8 weeks!” — this is just amazing. I’ve never imagined anything like it. Did you try it because I will! Thanks for posting.
Hooray! I’m so glad you liked this, and thanks for the linky! It keeps for ages too, and just keeps maturing – I’m now using a bottle that I found hidden in the back of the closet, dated March 2009! It smells amazing!
This is brilliant, I have a whole stock of vanilla pods at home. I have the same issue with name unfortunately!
I started making my vanilla extract at home a while ago and haven’t looked back! It saves a lot of money compared to buying the prepared stuff and quality is definitely better for the reasons you stated. I made mine with rum instead of vodka though, don’t know how much of a difference that might make.
P.S. Love your blog!
I love the smell of cinnamon baking and I’m terrible at remembering names I find it awfully embarrassing. What a fun idea to make your own vanilla. I now have to buy a good quality vanilla in bulk as I use it in pretty much everything.
How cool is that? I love the idea of making my own vanilla. Does the taste of the vodka come through at all?
I think I just found my idea for this year’s Christmas gifts. If I started now they’d be usable by then. Awesome.
i recently made this with my mom:) i really love the idea of making home made vanilla extract. i have to say that it is definately one of my all time fav scent! i think it is really sexy and earthy.
Genius!
I love the little bottles you’ve used.
SSG xxx
Thank you for remInding me. I came across this post and meant to give it a try and then forgot… That’s my memory for you
I will have to try it now. I have some homemade mascarpone draining in the fridge ready to make into cheesecake, homemade vanilla cream would be delish!
Love this post! I have been wanting to make my own vanilla extract for a long time. I think one of the barriers to making it was I couldn’t find a bottle that was pretty enough to satisfy me. I love the bottles you used Lorraine – wish I could find some for myself.
oh god yes – I am HOPELESS at names – and so is my husband – so we are quite the ‘team’ in that regard! grrrr
i made a batch a few months ago and i’ve since used it all..what i must remember to do in future is to have bottles brewing at different stages to keep the supply going..
I guess my alias would be easy for you to remember being food based and all
Very cute bottles and spoons. Not a childhood smell but vanilla is definitely a favourite.
You can also make vanilla extracts with other liquors, I use my vanilla brandy far more than my vodka-based extract! I get my vanilla beans from http://www.daintreevanilla.com/ because they’re Aussie-grown and far cheaper to buy in bulk
Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve detailed my vanilla making on my own blog: http://eats.sefiebee.com/tag/vanilla/
What a lovely idea! and no mystery chemicals
Yes I have made extract from vodka and vanilla beans, once you have made it you will never but it again.
I am also terrible with names I even forgot my husbands one day when we out, very embarrassing.
You can sometimes get 2 lots of essence from your beans if they are very fresh. If not dry them out and add to caster sugar, I have the most perfume jar of caster by just using pre loved vanilla.
I get my beans from a spice co. on Perth via the internet.
http://www.spicewest.com.au/
I have been making my own vanilla extract for about 5 years now and I would never use anything else in my baked goods. It makes such a difference and you’re right, you can taste the quality of a better extract when it’s not commercially produced.
I have a bottle of homemade vanilla extract that I put up to steep in May 2007, containing 6 vanilla beans. I top it up with vodka every time I use it. Definitely brown! The aroma has never been spectacular– must depend on the quality of the beans you buy to start with. Any advice about this?
Lorraine, with all due respect, just a friendly piece of advice? I can’t see being very popular if you start calling people “sausage roll”. Just a thought.
My favorite smell memory is lemon trees in the spring.
this is amazing! does it not taste like vodka though???
I must have those bottles.
And those spoons.
MUST.
(Chanel number 5 – my nanna. Roses – my grandmother. Stones Green Ginger Wine – vomit.)
the smell of chanel no. 5 and loccitane’s shea butter body lotion!
What a great idea. I must do this. Thanks for the heads up with regards to the Alfalfa House. Vanilla beans can be so expensive. I absolutely love the smell of vanilla. Big fan of vanilla candles.
Your post reminded me of an episode of Seinfeld where Elaine suggests that everyone should wear name tags so that New Yorkers could be more friendly. That would be interesting. haha.
Wow so simple! Great pictures and explanation Lorraine. Thanks for the tip of buying from Alfalfa House in Enmore as well. We pay far too much for vanilla pods so this is an excellent tip. Happy Baking! x
what a great idea Lorraine … if you are in sydney, they also have very reasonably priced vanilla pods at the flemington markets on a saturday morning at the spice stand there … they are really nice guys too !
I’m a fan of Celia’s method, too, and have a vodka bottle stashed in the corner of my pantry.
Actually I had two, but one mysteriously vanished after we left the teenagers home alone one weekend ….
What a coincidence, I just read this same recipe last night in David Gillespie’s book “The Sweet Poison Quit Plan”. I highly recommend everyone read this book and David’s first book “Sweet Poison”.
I think I’ll make some of those vanilla bottles for Christmas presents
I can only remember people by their dogs! Even then – I can remember the dog’s name, but not the person. That vanilla extract looks amazing – great idea. I wonder if it would work with all the leftover vanilla beans I use for infusing custard…
Fantastic…. Mmm, I can smell it now! Pure vanilla! Yum.
I had no idea you could make your own
and vodka??? Im clueless to ingredients haha. Such a great tip about Alfalfa house too – vanilla beans can be so expensive!
Hey, I’ve been browsing around your blog and you have such fun stories and amazing pictures! I am horrible with names, too, so I just give people a warning ahead of time that I probably won’t remember their name
I’ve been seeing so many bloggers making their own vanilla extract, I think I’m going to cave and try it myself. I just need to get some bottles first… your bottles look perfect for the extract!
Oh wow so easy. Who would of thought. Added to my list to do, like today! Thanks for sharing. It would make a nice gift too.
I have seen this done before and had forgotten about it until now – thanks for reminsing me. I have an unopened bottle of vodka that has been there for years – maybe this is a good use for it. Vanilla is one of my favourite smells ever.
I love making this at home. I made a big batch last year after stumbling upon a recipe online. As it ages, I find the vanilla smell really takes over the smell of the alcohol and to be honest I believe you only need to use half that you would normally use. After seeing your cute bottles I think I might make some as gifts for Christmas.
I love the smell of old books it takes me back to primary school.
Vodka does not have a deep scent, so I think works perfect to preserve vanilla’s.
Do you know something? I have in my memory the smell of fresh bread baked at mom’s…and the smell of the sea that reminds me the little town where we spent some vacations during summer.
*Sound of door slamming as I run out and make this NOW*
adorable bottles!
can also get amazing thick fresh beans from chefs warehouse in surry hills. they’re huge and around $2.50 for a single or $2.00 if you buy a dozen.
Those little bottles of homemade vanilla extract are so cool. Now all you have to do is make your own vodka. Mmm, maybe not!
I live in Mexico where I get the best vanilla and vanilla beans. We have a man in my town/city who comes from Veracruz, where the vanilla is harvested, and he sells delicious fresh vanilla beans. I may just have to make my own vanilla after this post! Thanks for the inspiration.
I love it! I love it! I LOVE IT!!!
I read this the other day when trawling through some of Celia’s older posts on FigJamLimeCordial and I thought what a great idea! I go through about a bottle a fortnight in my house (the small bottles from coles/woolies) and they are pretty expensive for how much you get – this is such a great idea, and I never realised just how darn easy it is to make at home. Im going shopping for beans, bottles and vodka at lunchtime!!
Am I the only one looking at this thinking ‘vanilla vodka? now wouldn’t that make a great cocktail?’
What a GREAT idea!
I make this all throughout the year!
Can’t beat the taste, TRUE!
Horrible on names, but you can call me your loyal reader “WHOO HOO”
Great idea NQN!
I might even start calling my mates whose name I CAN remember with names of food. “oh hello chicken Kiev, I see you’re still wearing that shirt from your London trip in 1973″. Or “hey fermented beancurd, I can smell your BO from here!”.
How about “hey you sexy Sydney rock oysters, you look so slurpy, juicy and succulent in that slinky dress”
Sounds lovely… better get started on the Christmas gifts soon…. I have made this in the past, and also coffee beans in rum makes a great coffee liquer,for cooking or drinking, and i currently have a batch of cumquats in white rum..it goes a lovely pale orange colour, beautiful citrus perfume and tangy flavour. Watch the cumquats though – they pack a punch if you happen to eat one whole….
Beautiful vanilla beans in Melbourne from PNG available at the Convent farmers market or friends of the earth in Smith St Collingwood.
Oooh I’ve been making my own vanilla extract for years, but I always add the pods after I’ve scraped the seeds out to use in another recipe because they are still so full of flavour. And I couldn’t bear to throw all that goodness away!
thank you so much for the recipe i go through so much bottles it would be good to make myself
Impressive! I heart those glass bottles, where did you source them from as I’ll only make my own vanilla if I can store it in those,Lol. So tell me Lorraine, in your opinion which country produces the best Quality Vanilla? I’ve seen Vanilla from Madagascar, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia , India but which bean is the best as far as flavour goes?
Peeling and smelling the divine, crisp aroma of the first crop of mandarins from our tree each season,transports me back to my childhood in a nano second! Also, diesel from ships, the first five years of my life I grew up in Civitavecchia,Italy a port city and remember walking with my dad along the waters edge.Yes, very fine memories.
What a fantastic idea!Will be very useful in the future! Thanks
I made my own vanilla extract to give away as gifts for Christmas 2010, but I forgot to keep some for myself! I followed Celia’s instructions by reusing the vanilla beans again and now I have some lovely vanilla extract brewing. Everytime I go to Melbourne, I buy a couple bottles of Vodka at Aldi to make extract as it is cheap at Aldi.
Special thanks to Lou for the suggestion of making coffee liquer by putting coffee beans in rum. I will definitely be doing this!
Those little bottles are beautiful. Where did you get them? They would be perfect for so many things. I still haven’t made this…need to!
I must be almost the last blogger on this column not to have made my own vanilla extract? No more, no more, no more
! Since vodka has but little taste – sugar, should have thought of this myself!! And thanks, Sefie, for the links! Remembering names: forget it – my gaffes are legendary, but time and place and look and what was said: somehow no probs at all 
! Favourite smells to walk into : bread baking and curry cooking – oh yum!
PS – I buy my vanilla beans from a friend at Total Gourmet in 200g packets (so many beans!) for $31.90. her email is annmaree@totalgourmet.com.au
I love the bottles, where can I get some?
Celia has the answer to everything!:) This is such a great idea, and looks so lovely too. The biggest drawback might be that vanilla vodka on the rocks might taste fantastic before it even gets to a cake!
I always like the smell of ironing clothes, I know it’s not food related, but it reminds me of coming home from school to mum. With a big family, she was always ironing.
I love it!
I use heaps of vanilla essence/extract in baking and it would be so nice to have your own made. Might have to try this.
I’ve seen this recipe around on various blogs but somehow didn’t think it would have enough flavour. I’m pleased to know it has. I have a bottle of vodka lingering around but better still I have about 3 or 4 bottles of white rum that I don’t know what to do with. Since reading the various comments I know I can use it to make vanilla extract and also a coffee liquor. Yipee!
Me too about the names!
I’ve been meaning to make this a while ago, now you’ve just encouraged me to get off my butt and do it! I can imagine they’ll make awesome gifts
Dear Lorraine
Thanks so much for sharing this with us! I’ll be trying it out tonight
Am laughing with InTolerantChef: now, I don’t much drink spirits, but vanilla vodka? Hm – interesting
! And I DO agree about the wonderful smell of freshly ironed clothes . . .!
Marvelous! Reckon it could be used for rose extract as well?
My favourite scent is a certain clothes softener that Stephen’s mum used to use on Stephen’s clothes, it reminds me of the early stages of our relationship before we moved in together. Good times, lol!
Fascinating!! I wonder, is this sweet like vanilla extract from the shops is? I was intrigued to look at the ingredient list the other day and see that sugar, in various guises, was in all the supermarket extracts, even the organic ones!
I bought beans and vodka a few weeks ago to start steeping some Xmas pressie vanilla essence. I’m having trouble tracking down nice little bottles though. Suggestions?
I’m also planning to see if I can make some pandan essence by the same method *drool* I love pandan better than vanilla.
Fantastic post Lorraine! Vanilla really does breathe another life into baked goodies!
Thanks for the supplier tip- only now the store will be filled with an onset of vanilla pod customers who have just read your post..better get there early every one!
PS Happy B’day to NQN!
Is there anyone who doesn’t love the smell of vanilla? Surely not.
Dear Lorraine, you can call me “cho-co-LA-tay ” ha
x What a great idea for Christmas Gifts.
I love the scent of vanilla: Baking, In the bottle, In air, On sheets, In candles, On skin… This is Fabulous
WOW! I love this post. I brought back a whole heap of vanilla from Bali and so I am definitely going to attempt this one. Thanks for the post
I invested in a bottle of Neilsen Massey Vanilla Extract last year and almost fainted at the price – $60! It is far superior than the supermarket variety but I am now determined to make my own. I already have pretty little jars of vanilla sugar ‘ripening’ in the pantry for xmas gifts. The duty free bottles of vodka my folks brought back from Norway now have a purpose! Thanks to everyone for the bean contacts…time to go shopping!
Favourite smell is cardamom. And I used to introduce myself to people by apologising upfront that I would invariably forget their name!
I’ve been trying to remember where to get the vanilla beans from, thanks for the reminder about Alfalfa House. I would love to know where to get tho bottles from too
I can’t believe you made your own vanilla extract!! That is hardcore.. I rely on Coles to make mine
Good work, Lorraine! BTW, must catch up again soon! x
Great idea! For those of us not in Sydney check out http://rudanetrading.com.au/ for great priced vanilla beans
OH GOD>.. i love vanilla extract.. i find it imperative to have quality extract when baking a cake… mmmmmhhhhh….
You need at least six vanilla beans for each cup of vodka so I use 18 beans in a 750ml bottle and mature it for 6 months before use – smells and tastes fantastic. I have also tried it with rum but my preference is for 2/3 vodka to 1/3 rum mixed. My biggest problem has been finding suitable bottles to decant it in – where did you get those cute bottles from?
You can also buy vanilla beans very inexpensively on ebay.
My favourite smell is wet coriander leaves – instantly takes me to the Old City in Jerusalem.
Gosh I have so many favorite smells! Most of them are food related (of course). I love the smell of tomatoes growing in the garden, freshly baked bread, donuts…. oh and guess what, I live very close to a cake making factory and the smells are awesome! Its right near my gym (how ironic is that?!).
*kisses* HH
I made some of Celia’s vanilla extract a little while ago. You reminded me that it should be ready to go!
I’m good with faces too but not so good at names so I’m all for the food names.
Cinnamon is the aroma that brings the most memories for me. It reminds me of making tea cake with my grandma. The smell of cloves reminds me of Christmas too.
“Have vodka, will travel” is my motto when it comes to making extracts and essences. You should try making bottles of rose, lavender, and even jasmine extract. They’re heavenly when used in chocolate truffles.
I love it….your own vanilla extract. Do you have to use relatively good vodka or will cheap vodka do too?
Ok, wow. Must try this. Vanilla is possibly my favourite smell!
I buy all of my vanilla from the US. The site is called Saffron.com and the beans cost $20/lb plus shipping and work out to ca. $0.40 a bean.
I also find the best option is simply to add the scraped pods to the vodka and use the seeds in a more useful application like a custard or ice cream.
Great tip! Always wanted to do this, but never got down to doing it!I love the smell of vanilla, makes almost all baked goods taste better!
Cool, Lorraine, I had no idea it was so easy to make!
Gorgeous!
HI everyone! For anyone interested in the bottles I just bought them at a dollar shop in Maroubra called Hot Dollar in Pacific Square
What a conicidence. Just telling colleagues today that this is what I am making as xmas presents this year!
I think these would make great gifts – thanks for the idea!
I am great with names but terrible with faces.
What a great tip, this is one I will be trying. So simple with what looks like fantastic results.
What a fabulous recipe, I love the idea of making my own vanilla extract. Talk about making a dish from scratch!! I have a friend who names everyone after their favourite meal so that when she meets someone new she can instantly recall what they were about. GG
Very cool to make your own vanilla extract, thanks for the recipe!
I ma extremely impressed!
I saw this on a blog once and thought it would be cool to make my own as I also consume quite a lot of vanilla extract (solely in baking!) I might give this a go one day. thanks!
The Secret is out! I have been making my own extract this simple way for years. Definitely head and shoulders above the commercially Sold extract.
I have been getting my vanilla beans online from http://www.sunshinevanilla.com.au Fresh plump organic vanilla beans. Highly recommended
This is amazing Lorraine! I think Paul would be horrified by me using a whole bottle of vodka for vanilla, but I’m going to do it!
Beleive it or not I actually love the smell of lamb loin chops cooking – has to be lamb loin chops! (not a roast etc)…
It takes me back to Sunday lunch at my Nannas house as I was growing up, the smell would waft out the back door. Always served with German Cucumber salad, made with brown vinegar, sweetened condensed milk and pepper – and creamy mashed potatoes!
I have so many smell memories from days in the kitchen with my Nanna – she is responsible for my love of cooking. I still have her wooden spoons and wooden rolling pin – and most favourite, her silver “stiring spoon” which is worn down on one side due to the constant stirring!
This is the real love of cooking to me.
I miss you Nanna!
P.S. I almost forgot! The spoons are from Nigella Lawson’s Kitchen range
I’ve been making my own vanilla extract for some time already, and I love it, although I resort to Queens vanilla extract for those times when I’m in dire need!
this is such a fantastic idea, i am soooooo going to make some
i’ve never even considered making my own extract–i guess there’s no denying my slothitude.
so does that mean that vanilla essence has alcohol in it – or does this one? I am tempted to try it – have some leftover raspberry vodka – would that work? I am not a huge fan of vanilla – it was always there in childhood baking so I am not sure why I can take it or leave it – but occasionally it really gets to me
I’ve always meant to make my own vanilla, somehow I just haven’t gotten to it yet.
Vanilla is definately my fav aroma , and add cinnamon to it and am happy!
Super cute!
Actually m sipping Vanilla COlumbian cafe rite now , and i need to add a pinch of cinnamon after this little chat
I sure make my own Vanilla extract too , the same way , only add many many more beans to it!
And i have a 2 step process actually , i have a bigg jar of vodka (pics on blog) where i add all those beans i use up , the outside ie , and then i use that vodka to make the extract , aint too muc work really as it sounds !
and a great way to use the used up beans.
Love ur pretty bottles , and those spoons there
Lorraine!! What a fabulous post! I’ve missed your blog while I’ve been away.Actually yes, vanilla extract reminds me of baking with my mum
I adore it!
Heidi xo
This looks fantastic. My only problem is where do I find bottles like you have used.
Such a simple yet great gift idea, I remember seeing this one a few blogs a while ago but never thought to make it – maybe this year!
p.s. Are those Nigella measuring spoons I see?
This is timely. I just ordered vanilla beans on Monday and I don’t know why. Somehow we connected without knowing it, as usual. Now onto find some vodka. Hey how about some vanilla vodka for cocktails?
Oh, I am going to make my own vanilla! Love it! They say that of all the senses, our sense of small conjures up the most memories. When I smell freshly mown grass I’m always transported back to the yard of my childhood with my dad mowing the lawn.
I have a tough time with names too:(
love this idea! thanks also for the super tip about the cheap vanilla in enmore.. have to get myself there soon!
Wow, what a fantastic idea. Vanilla gets so expensive, especially if you don’t buy the cheap stuff, because I use it so often. I’m definitely going to try making this one. Thanks!
I made my first batch of vanilla extract and posted abuot it a few months ago. I used rum. I think it is the best solution for someone who bakes a lot and here it is not that easy to come across. And as you say, it makes a great gift.
Not wanting to push any particular brand, but I found a place in queensland selling Bourbon Vanilla pods for $55 for 250g. Thats about 40 pods. Much better than the supermarket prices. Just do google search, wont take long to find them. They shipped very quickly and my bottle of vodka with 10 pods in it smells fantastic. Cant imagine how much better it will be by Christmas.
Where did you get those cute little bottles? They are adorable…I have been looking but no can find!
Can I use just the vanilla pods if I can’t get vanilla beans. Will that do the job?
Whoo I am going to buy a bottle of VOdka and some vanilla pods thanks so much for sharing
The smell of my Mother’s Spanish cake baking when I walked in from school
What a brilliantly simple way to make vanilla extract!!! Just one problem I have though…I don’t consume alcohol any form whatsoever. Is there an alternative to the Vodka?
Hi I was wondering what kind of vanilla bean you used I’m an finding there are a few different kinds.? Thanks
where did you get those great bottles from? ive had a bottle of vodka in the back of the cupboard ‘marinating’ since last year waiting to find some nice boles to make chrissy presents
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