All my years of baking and I have never made my own vanilla. I about smacked my leg when I saw how much cheaper and better quality it is homemade. You’ve inspired me to start my own lady, thank you!
So I am now going to steal "I about smacked my leg" because that is awesome. As a writer and editor, this sort of thing makes my day in ways you cannot even imagine.
I started 2 vodka bottles of vanilla extract in August 2021 with pouring a bit from each bottle into a pint sized mason jar to make room for beans. Used up the store-bought vanilla I already had and the pint jar first, earlier than the 1 year, while waiting for the 1 year deadline. I still haven’t opened the second bottle of homemade vanilla extract. It’s three times the strength of store-bought vanilla so you can use less and still get the same flavour. Actually, it’s better, not the same. Nice to know it won’t spoil while waiting its turn. I think I would like to try this with the bourbon instead of vodka. Maybe I’ll alternate between vodka and bourbon each winter from now on. Thanks for the inspiration! For anyone on the fence because of the one year deadline…do it! Time is going to pass anyway. Might as well. Just write the info you need on a paper bag that the bottle stays in to keep the light away (light can degrade the quality) and tuck it on a shelf somewhere. In a year you’ll be so glad you did this future gift to yourself…or others.
IndriVanilla is amazing! I have gotten the best beans from them and they are so knowledgeable! Also everclear can be used by you must cut it half and half with distilled water and let it sit for about 5-10 min. This keeps it from being cloudy. ❤
Thank you, very informative. Started making my vanilla extract two years ago. I don’t cut it or slice it. Love the look of the vanilla beans in a uniform manner. They were also for Christmas gifts, have made 35 bottles each year. I’ve bought Madagascar Grade A vanilla beans and swivel top bottles from Amazon and the Vodka from Costco a well. Funny story - the Vodka bottles from Costco say 40% alcohol, which are 80%. I must say I don’t drink alcoholic drinks, only cook with wines, brandy and now Vodka for making Vanilla Extract. So the first time I went and bought Vodka, I was looking for 80% - none said that until I asked my husband, and he explained to me that 40% was 80%. 🤦🏻♀️ I never have paid attention to the percentage I only go for the name of the alcohol. 😅
Jess, do all Costco stores in North Carolina sell liquor, I’m in Tennessee and liquor is so regulated I can’t only go to high priced liquor stores. I can get to Asheville in about 2 hours.
I don't bake an awful lot. But I started making our own vanilla extract probably ten years ago. I've only ever just made it with vodka. I certainly don't use enough to make a batch every year... every couple years when I see we've had some real usage on our current bottle, we start a new bottle and push to the back of the cupboard. I'm sorry I may have missed if you said, but how long is a bottle good to use after that year?
I’ve never written to anyone before but today I felt I needed to. Been making my own vanilla extract for over ten years. I make it using vodka and the method you do. I enjoyed watching you and have subscribed. Thank you. Oh. I’m 76 yrs old
We've been making our own vanilla extract for a few years and also include it in our Christmas gift baskets.Thanks for the much-needed reminder to start my new batch as soon as possible! I was a little late last year, closer to 8mo, instead of 12. We like rum best for ours and have also been experimenting with different bean origins. The first year, we got Madagascar beans on Amazon. But last year, we got to use Mexican beans that my parents purchased straight from the farm, which felt really special. Love to geek out on this sort of thing!! Much appreciate you digging into the nitty gritty more than I've seen on other channels.
Awesome video. Love it! I started making vanillia extract in September 2023. I found a gentleman on you tube. He had trial tests on liquor and beans. Madagascar Vanilla Beans Grade A seem to be ahead of the game. It's more traditional flavor people are use too. The liquor had different ranges to ppls taste buds. Overall....for traditional Vanilla extract......New Amsterdam vodka and Kirkland vodka Topped the list. These vodkas did not have strong flavors. This allowed the Vanilla to shine thur. Caption morgan plain and coconut rum topped the rum category. For Vanilla Bean Company.....The Vanilla Bean Kings. I was impressed with the testing the gentleman had. I have bottled 5 batches of madagascar vanilla beans with several different liquors. Next year I will taste and see which one I like the best. Like Jess.....some are Christmas presents. Hope this helps someone. Happy new year everyone!
Do you by chance have a link to that video? I love this video for the simplicity of making the extract but I'd also like to dive in a little deeper to different tests done.
I love Indri Vanilla! I’ve purchased hundreds of ounces of beans from them and have soooo much vanilla going…some that have been extracting for 3+ years now. We love our vanilla! My favorite alcohol for vanilla so far (I’ve tried dozens) is a sugar cane vodka-Reigncane!
I dont know how you attend to everything with this channel, Roots and Refuge, and your family and homestead. Kudos to you lady for all you do!!!! THankful for all you do.
I really appreciate how informed you are Jess. You always come prepared. There are some "homesteading" channels that have no clue and it shows. That really bothers me. If you're going to show people how to do something, know what you're doing in the first place. You understand the assignment 😊 Oh, and I just seasoned my first cast iron skillet thanks to you! I made eggs this morning, and they were the best eggs I've ever had 😋
She gets on with it also. There are so many that talk too much and really don’t get to the point. I simply don’t have that amount of patience. There are some who I like as a person, but can’t stand to listen to them drone on and on.
I have been making homemade vanilla for 25 years. I love it. I make in vodka and bourbon. I really love it in bourbon best. But I learned some fabulous tips when I visited a vanilla bean grower in Hawaii (cut beans & scrape and brew for 4 to 6 months no need to brew longer). He also taught me to make a large mother jar, which is mixed beans and mixed liquor, ya know leftovers.
I think your idea to follow a recipe book, as in to cook all/most of the recipes in it, is a fabulous idea. I've decided to do that with your channel. Already made the sweet potato hash and it is excellent and has become a family favourite. Thankyou Jess.
I am really enjoying Indri's vanilla group. I joined last fall but still have not gone ahead and purchased beans or booze. But! I will! You make it so easy to understand the process. I hope the Indri group finds your video.
I used cheap vodka and spiced rum this past year. They both were awesome! I just keep adding new beans in mine each year, and I keep the old beans in the mother jar. I wait and pour into bottles for gifts right before Christmas. It just makes it easier for me not to have to shake each bottle. Works the same.
Being a Kentucky memaw you’d think I’d be a Kentucky Bourbon fan…normally yes but I found a pecan brandy that has totally changed my mind. I’m looking forward to what this vanilla tastes like come Christmas cooking 2024…nothing better than home made vanilla!!! Thank you Jess…we bless you!!!! debby
Wow, Jess! This is great! And what a coincidence - I just put out a video this morning on making Rose Extract from rose petals I’ve been saving. I guess it’s a great thing to do in the winter! Also, a friend of mine just made Elderberry extract, so I’m excited to learn about making different kinds of extracts. I use them for baking, flavoring teas, and maybe even medicinal use some day. ❤
I've wanted to do this for ages - BUT it certainly pays to do the math first. Depending on how much you use and where you are in the world the cost effectiveness can be wildly different. Here in New Zealand I would need to make at least 1 litre (33.8 floz) for it to cost less than store bought and that would cost me around $150 NZD and take me about 5 years to use it all.
If you have a litre of vanilla extract, trust me, you'll find more ways to use it. You'll bake more. You'll put it in hot cocoa. You'll add it to old recipes to find out what the difference might be. Have you tried vanilla extract in your coffee?
It's so coincidental you posted this video today, right after I had started my first batch of homemade vanilla extract. I didn't weigh my fermented pods (what we call vanilla beans), but I split them and put them in 100 proof spiced rum. I divided out my 25-pod packet into 3 swing top jars (marketed as sauce bottles, so I believe they're 16 oz each). It worked out to 8 full beans per bottle and one bottle ended up with the extra - because I wasn't saving just one bean. I labeled them and set them under my kitchen counter (in a dark cabinet) so we'll see how yummy they turn out for Christmas 2024. I paid just under $34 for the alcohol and have almost enough left for another bottle of extract, and I paid about $26 for the Madagascar vanilla. The cost of the 3 bottles works out to about $8.50. So, with $68.50 invested, I was able to start 48 oz of vanilla extract with alcohol left over. My least expensive option at the store is currently $5.99 for a 2 oz bottle, so... I would have spent about $145 with tax to buy that same amount of extract at the store. Totally worth the wait! Thanks, Jess!
Fun fact Jess- Costco voldka is actually grey goose. Costco does that with a lot of their liquors. So you actually did get a really good liquor - Thanks for the video and gift idea.
I've worked at Costco for 20 years and what you said does have some truth, Kirkland does indeed use Duracell for batteries and stuff like that. But the Kirkland vodka is not Grey Goose.
Actually Kirkland is good stuff. Disclosure, I work in the alcohol industry and the stuff we sell to Costco is better than what we sell in the same category. For wine your not getting Napa cabernet in your bag in box but I can pretty much guarantee the quality in their Kirkland Cabernet @ $12.99 is better than what you can by in Bota Box or Black box that comes in at $18.99. If you keep a good eye on things you'll see that this applies to most Kirkland branded products through out the store. Fun fact. Costco is the largest wine and spirits retailer in the US so a supplier would definitely want that volume, no name or not.
Grey Goose is distilled in France. Kirkland Vodka is quite prominently labeled as American. There's a big distiller in Indiana that does a lot of generic brands. I would assume that is the source of Costco's lower end stuff.
I did mine, some with Spiced Rum and some with Vodka. I had my granddaughters helping and gave them a lesson on the vanilla bean while we were making the vanilla. Great time to spend with the kids!
I finally got around to making my own vanilla extract. I been wanting to do this for years. My husband was given a bottle of expensive brandy as a thank you gift n then came upon Grade A organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans at Costco ! The brandy had caramel notes i think will be amazing I purchased grade a vanilla beans on Amazon and they were very tiny and not plump. I will try ordering from VanillaPura they offer vanilla beans from many regions and also offer a bulk pricing if you’re willing to wait a little longer for orders to ship out. Oh yes tnx for reminder n tip to make vanilla infused sugar w spent beans. Thank you!
I use spiced rum for it often and it's really good, I prefer it over vodka but bourbon is really good too. I think it's definitely better if you age it a full year and shake once a week or so.
I love making my own vanilla! I have one big jar that I make it in and I think I have 5 jars sitting in my safe right now! Every time that Vanilla Bean Kings has a co-op sale on their beans I buy about 6 ounces and start another jar! I use organic vodka at about $20.00 a bottle and I usually get the Madagascar beans for usually $10.00 an ounce but this holiday season I got them for $8.00 an ounce! Stock up time!! I get them going, put the date on them and number them so I know at a glance which bottle is next! I sat down and figured it out one time and I am paying about 1.29 or something like that per ounce of homemade vanilla and found out that when I use it to use a scant amount of what it calls for because the flavor is much more intense than store bought vanilla!!! I used to always add more, much more vanilla then a recipe called for now I use a right on the amount or a little less! Big difference! Love your video and hope everyone takes the time to make their own, the difference is major!
I used those same cute glass containers for Christmas gifts 2 years ago..... keep an eye on the liquid levels! The seals must leak air because they'll lower liquid levels over the year. But everyone LOVED the gift from me! Great decision Jess!
I literally bought 6 bottles of the ickiest sweetest cream soda so I could dump the pop and reuse the bottles. For elderberry syrup. Slightly wasteful but I wouldn't ingest the pop at 46g or sugar preserving. $2.50 a bottle instead of the $6 cheapest I can find online glass bottles that latch like this.
Watching this made me curious about food fraud involving vanilla extract and I found that, as expected, it does exist. Passing off imitation vanilla as extract. In France there was an investigation that concluded last year and 1 in 4 products was fake. Unfortunately there was also an issue with purchasing the pods - as some of these were actually spent beans, already used for extract but sold as fresh, and some were dipped in imitation vanilla. But even with that slight chance it seems that making your own, once again, gives you the best odds of knowing what you’re consuming!
This I am not surprised about. Maybe why the one she linked that I used sucked as a bean. I believe in Mexico they use something that isn't actually vanilla beans to flavor as vanilla. Its not good. Alot of things are listed pure & have other ingredients esp the baking Watkins one. I use Vanilla Bean Kings. They seem like the real deal. I only buy the organic ones.
I am definitely doing this! But I have a question. Once your vanilla soaks for a year and is ready to use, how long is it good for? I’m assuming you don’t strain out the beans after sitting for a year, will it continue to get stronger the longer it sits? I use more vanilla than the tiny store bought bottles and I hate buying them but it’s highly unlikely I would use enough to go through even one of those smaller bottles in a year so I’m wondering what happens to it over time.
@@reneebentz6070 I followed Mary’s Nest recipe. Using only blanched almonds as almond skins have tannins in them. I removed the extract from the almonds about 8 months after I made it and I’ve used all of my extract up after a year. Not sure of the shelf life. You might want to post a question to Mary on her site? I did the same w all my extracts except for the Vanilla. I leave the whole beans in and just keep adding more alcohol and a few more beans. I’ve had that for years
I have a question..... I am a recovering alcoholic (32 years sober) and I was wondering if you have an alternate to using alcohol? Have you tried to make it without alcohol? Thanks Jess
Good video! I have been making for years. I only use vodka thus far. In Canada, booze is sold by percent. For those folks who did not know, proof is double the percent. So, a 40% vodka is an 80 proof vodka.
I’ve never made any and have always wanted to. Now I know how! If I were your family or friend getting this from you, I’d be over the moon! Could you grind up the spent bean and add to homemade ice cream? Thx!
This is my first year making extract. I bought Madagascar and tahitian vanilla beans and Buffalo Trace as I wanted one that was made from non GMO crops. I am open though to others suggestions as I would love to do a vodka and rum version.
You gave me the most fabulous idea for Christmas gifts this year! I did photo frames a few years ago and couldn't figure out how to top that (It was a huge hit with the grandparents!) until I found Greenstalks on your channel the following year. This past Christmas I gave some crocheted blankets and some homemade spices. This year I think I'll DIY a bunch of homemade, home grown, stuff to put in a gift basket! I'm loving this channel!
So interesting… I just made some . My question is after you use the extract can you add more alcohol to the bean and make more or are the beans used and they’re only good for infusing sugar.. I like that idea or actually using the bean as you mentioned? Thanks 😊
I’ve been making vanilla extract for 10 plus years. Rum is my current favorite. IndriVanilla beans are the best. Once in awhile they will have cinnamon or pepper. I prefer to use tall skinner bottles because the beans don’t always fit well in mason jars and you can run into issues with the alcohol not being tall enough to cover the beans.
I use vodka or spiced rum. My first batch just turned a year old. I had no idea about the ratio of beans to alcohol so I put ALOT of beans in each bottle, so it’s probably not very economical. But it sure tastes good 😂
I'm far from a clean freak, or FDA/CDC anything. I have lots of animals, hair on/in everything, will eat chicken that's sat out for 2days, etc. You really should stop touching your hair, neck, nose, when you're making foods for others. It's ok for home use, but not as gifts or for sale.
Thanks Jess. I've had the ingredients to make vanilla for a few months now but wasn't sure how to begin. I'll aim to get it going this week now that I've had a good tutorial.
I have bought all my vanilla beans from indrivanilla. I have always been pleased with their beans. If anyone is sitting on the fence about buying from them go for it. They also have special sales on other things as well like pepper corns. I bought ceylon cinnamon from them and made cinnamon extract as well. I fell their prices are way better than any others I looked at purchasing. Their beans are so beautiful and definitely way above the grade A rating. Which they say is any bean 13 inches. I have had up to 18 inch beans from them and plump and full of caviar
I didn’t intend it to be this way but I can’t be the only one who is allowing each video to be their plan on what they’re making next!? So far I’ve made meatloaf, Dutch Babies (twice), tomato soup and I always roast chickens and make chicken soup. Definitely looking into getting the vanilla beans now haha
I'm an avid home baker and always pay top dollar for vanilla extract from Penzeys, quality absolutely makes a difference. I would love to start making my own extract and will try this with Penzeys vanilla beans!
For each of the vanilla bean orders, I use three different alcohols: Cruzan Aged Rum; Altos Reposado Tequilla; Evan Williams Bourbon. I use 8oz bottles with at least 1oz of beans per bottle. Vanilla Extracts: 03.2021 Madagascar 04.2021 Sri Lankan 05.2021 Papua New Guinea 07.2021 Ugandan v Planifolia 09.2021 Tahitensis 10.2021 Indonesian
@@AmandainGeorgia no, I can't. But, when adding it to my hot tea or when my husband (he's the cook/baker) uses it for whipping cream, I can taste it then.
Do you know how many ounces the 50 beans weigh? Madagascar beans are 35.00 free shipping for 1/4 pound so I have no idea but they say madagascar are best?
I made it with Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum…amazing! I gave it as gifts for Christmas with instructions on keeping the beans to start another batch! I started them a year before I gifted them shaking the bottles a few times a week.
Appreciate the lesson, but the unconscious scratching behind the ear and handling the beans did cringe me a smidgen. I guess the liquor kills whatever.
That’s an excellent gift idea! I do very little gift-giving, but I am still going to do this in smaller, gift able bottles for the occasional hostess gift if needed. Also, I have a bunch of those bottles waiting for a purpose. 👍
I love your labels! Do you have a link for them too? I've wanted to make my own vanilla ... you're easy to follow. You make it simple and your style of teaching makes me wanna do it asap ~ but first I need to gather my supplies - 😊
Oddly, I sought out high quality vanilla beans 20yrs ago but didn’t know I could have made vanilla. lol, sheesh. I was using the centers for ice cream and rice pudding and then putting the pods in sugar. Now, I need to get busy and purchase more! With the boom of vanilla beans being sold, I’m more leery of picking a decent source. Hopefully I’ll find some good recommendations in the comments!
I was just thinking I should use a product distilled near where I live! Black Velvet Canadian Whisky is made in my town, so its probably a good choice. I've never bought it before.
I found out about making vanilla extract like 2 months ago and thought it would be a nice christmas present and then I found out it take a whole year so i was like oops nvm! but i would like to just try to make it for myself to course, but also give them as gifts next year again so thank you for this video! i definitely forgot about it and would’ve remembered when I bought the extract again and been angry i didn’t get started lol. I live in PA and our alcohol laws are so antiquated, I wish costco’s here sold alcohol!
I've always used vodka for my extract. I recently started a new batch after realizing I was nearly out. I think making a new batch yearly is what I need to start doing that way I'll never run out.
I use 190 everclear diluted with distilled water 50/50 which I think makes the best vanilla extract. Have also tried the bourbons and rum, which are also good. My absolute favorite is a mocha vanilla extract.
I made vanilla with Madagascar vanilla beans with vodka and the others with captain morgans spiced As gifts for everyone. Happily accepted by all. They are beautiful everlasting gifts. 😊now I will try more kinds for this year!
I have been using brandy to make my vanilla. I just started a jar right before New Years, so when my current vanilla is gone, I’ll have fresh! I usually start using it at the 6 month mark. I am also a scratch cooker and baker, and so appreciate this channel. 😊
Yes, I make my own and have enjoyed the process. Love your gift bottles and realize I'm not adding enough beans to mine. I LOVE vanilla! Is it ok to grind the spent beans and stir the bits into ice cream? QUESTION: Is there a way to make lemon extract? I grow my own Meyer lemons and each November/December get a beautiful harvest of organic lemons and would like to try that. Thanks in a BUG way for the info on the proof - I went with Everclear as I've been told it is the safest thing and not to use lesser proof but my first batch was not really as tasty as I thought it should be - now I know why and have already switched to vodka.
I'm LOVING your Farmer's Table channel. I think your knowledge can greatly increase everyone's cooking abilities. Even what seems to be the most trivial of things (spatchcock chicken? yes please!) can be a game changer. I've grown so much in cooking this year, realizing how easy some meals (previously thought to be difficult) are! My kids used to not eat whole chickens because I only knew how to cook it in the crock pot. I've been cooking it in the oven now and everyone loves it! Thank you for showing back to basic home cooking.
I made my first Vanilla Extract last year in February. I made a large bottle with Volka and another one with Bourbon. I broke down and poured an 8 oz bottle of the volka one and took to TN to give to my daughter. We used some while I was there. She seemed excited about getting it. My other is sitting. I should start another batch for gifting next year.
I started making my own last January. I ordered from Indi's. I have Indonesian beans Tito's vodka and Madagascar beans in Makers Mark. both are so good. I have more beans on the way. will never buy again.
I put grade B beans in 80% proof Vodka Oct 2023 to give for Christmas 2024. I am very excited to also share the data I gathered shows this homemade vanilla will be 1/4th the cost of real vanilla in my neck of the woods. I am using qt mason jars & have 4oz amber colored bottles to pour the vanilla into.
Jess I did 2 bottles last year just to try out which flavour I prefer. One in vodka and one in plain rum. Next month need to open and test the flavours. So looking forward to it. I must say I do buy vannila cream extract but one tiny tube cost 12 dollars and aprox enough for about 6 ocasion baking. That why I started to experiment with the essence. Next month I can report the result. 😊 Thank you for your recipe which is different I did last year.
I started my vanilla rabbit hole in 2020 when I found Indri's Vanilla Facebook page. Waiting was the hardest part of the process. I now have 8 quart mason jars in various stages of extracting. 🙂
Hi Jess❤ Thanks for this informative video. I also have been making vanilla sort of willy hilly for a few years. My question is, did you measure the liquid by volume and the beans by weight? Thanks
I’m so glad I saw your video. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now and your video showed me how easy it can be. Thank you so much for everything you do!
I will be making my own vanilla. It has been on my list for a couple months. I’m going to the Islands next month and I will be purchasing some vanilla beans and nutmeg. The vanilla that I purchased from there a few years back has ran out and it was so good. Thank you so much for walking through this video with us.
Oooh be sure to pick up whole nutmeg when you go there, because then you also get mace spice. It's a frequently forgotten spice in baking, but it can lend such a lovely subtle flavor.
