Question for bakers...

[Mirielle]

Well, you could use it for vanilla vodka, but traditionally, that is how you make vanilla extract. It's beans soaked in alcohol.

Vanilla beans (good quality ones) are INSANELY expensive though, so this wouldn't be very cost effective to do at home, as you need a LOT of vanilla beans to make extract.

I find this very interesting. Will read up on this.

 

[ronandannette]

I was just going to say my favorite was the one I made.


I'm currently using one that I was given as a gift from Cozumel.

Small world. My current bottle I brought back from Mexico too but I'd like something just a little more succulent, KWIM? The really premium brand everyone keeps mentioning here (Neilsen Massey) isn't available in Canada, even Amazon doesn't deliver it here. Tell me about your homebrew, if you don't mind.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Has anyone had luck making their own by steeping vanilla beans in vodka?

Yes! I use the recipe on Smitten Kitchen, but as a pp said, there a lots of recipes on the internet. It is very easy and makes great holiday gifts!

Never done it myself but there are tons of how tos on the 'net.

Not only is it easy, it is customizable! Who said you only have to use vodka? Go wild! I use all kinds of alcohol -- whatever strikes my fancy -- have a whole selection of vanilla flavored alcohols to use however I choose!

... Vanilla beans (good quality ones) are INSANELY expensive though, so this wouldn't be very cost effective to do at home, as you need a LOT of vanilla beans to make extract.

It can be quite cost effective to do this at home -- it just takes a little research and patience on pricing the beans and the alcohol. As with many things, prices on vanilla beans fluctuate. There are good suppliers for the whole beans on (of all places) eBay! Make sure to check that the sellers are reputable -- there are good sellers on eBay -- and look for coupons. I buy in bulk to save money. And there are good places near you for top quality alcohol at very good prices. If all else fails, Costco can be very reliable.