Home made vanilla extract

I was putting together some Christmas bits for a friend who likes baking and suddenly thought 'why don't I include some home made vanilla extract?!' Admittedly I have left it a bit late as it takes 6-8 weeks to steep, but I'm going to write on the label I tie on when the extract will be ready to use. And I think it's quite nice that they will be able to see it develop.

This is a super easy and quick project, it's just the steeping which takes time.

I bought my Vanilla Pods from Vanilla Mart on Amazon. Delivery was quick and the pods are really plump and not at all dry.

I also got some lovely Kilner clip top bottles from Cargo which at the time were on a 3 for 2 offer at £2.50 each! The last item needed was Vodka. I just bought a mid-range 1l bottle from Sainsbury's.

Method (If you can call it that!)

1. Take 3 vanilla pods per 250ml bottle. Split them length ways and add to the bottle.

2. Add vodka to the bottle until it covers the pods.

3. Seal and keep in a cool dry place for 6-8 weeks. Perhaps giving it a very gentle shake each week.


Ta da! That is it! As simple as it is I am really excited to give these to friends as gifts, as I know I would be really happy to receive a bottle of this. I had two spare jars and enough vanilla pods and vodka to make some for myself and my sister. I can't wait until it's ready and I can use it in my cakes!