I love the flavor of vanilla. Here at the farm, we make most things from scratch. A good vanilla is a MUST for baking or for batters such as waffle or pancake. Two years ago, I was shocked when the price of my regular vanilla extract skyrocketed. It has tripled in cost! :O

As of today the cost for 4 oz. of vanilla extract at Wal-Mart is $6.72! I can make better tasting vanilla extract myself for less and I’m going to tell you how you can do it, too.

First, let’s break down the cost for me to produce 4 oz. of vanilla extract…

COST TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT:
Vanilla beans (Madagascar, Grade A)
            Amazon – $18.95 per 15 beans
            Cost per bean:  $1.26

Rum (Silver)
            Sam’s Club – $13.98 / 1.75 L
            Cost per ounce: 27¢

Ratio of beans to alcohol:
            3 beans per 4 oz. alcohol Cost to produce 4 oz. vanilla extract:
            Vanilla beans:  $1.26 x 3 = $  .78
            Rum:                  $  .27 x 4 = $1.08
            GRAND TOTAL:  $4.86 / 4 oz.

Now, let’s get to the actual HOW:

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT:

Things you’ll need:
Alcohol (80+ proof – I prefer rum, but some people use vodka)
Vanilla beans (your choice – I get mine from Amazon and I use Grade A Madagascar beans.
Clean container with a top – usually a glass jar or bottle of some type. No need to get fancy here. Any glass jar or container with a good sealing top will be fine.

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA EXTRACT

1. Cut beans in half or whatever size works to fit them into your container.

2. Add beans to container.

3. Add appropriate amount of alcohol (3 beans to every 4 oz. alcohol)

4. Cap tightly. Be sure to write the date on the container or the lid.

5. Place container out of direct sunlight. Shake weekly. A gentle little shake will do it. Don’t go all crazy here. It will be clear when you first start it, but will darken over the next few weeks.

6. Your vanilla will be ready to use in as little as 8 weeks, but optimal flavor is reached at 6 months.  I have some I’ve had for over a year. I just leave the beans in there.

THE CONTAINER
Don’t worry much about the container. As long as it seals, it will be fine. This morning, we used the last of our maple syrup, so I decided it would make a perfect container:

With a few supplies, a little effort, and some time, you can have your own delicious vanilla extract!