Vanilla Extract - from Shayla

[Frozzie]

ok and what have you found gets the best results ie how many vanilla pods per 700/750ml bottle of vodka??  Did you leave it for 3 or for the full 6 months??  May as well start of with your valued experience rather than testing myself lol!

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

I put 12 slit vanilla pods (nice fat ones) in 750ml of brandy, but you could do the same with vodka.  I leave mine for about 3 months and give it a shake up whenever I remember. 

[faffa_70]

I do the same as Chelsea except I use vodka 

[Very Happy Jan]

I also use vodka. Split the pods and scrape out the seeds, then put the seeds & pods in the vodka. I tip the bottle a couple of times every day for the first 2 weeks then every 2-3 days for a couple of weeks, then every week or so until it smells right. A couple of times I have topped up the vodka when I've used half the bottle. I usually put a few more pods in, top up with vodka & repeat the shaking process. It obviously  takes much less time to reach the right flavour but you need to have a second bottle ready to use or you will be without vanilla essence until it matures.

[Frozzie]

thank you girls 

[Nay-nay]

And I use the Bourbon beans rather than the Tahitian beans for this process as they are stronger in flavour. I just bought a new lot from 'Spice West' on ebay, You can get 20 beans for $22!! Free postage in Australia - Great buy!! 

[Chelsea (Thermie Groupie)]

I do the same as Chelsea except I use vodka 

I can't cope with the smell of vodka. I think it has something to do with my Uni years but can't exactly remember why. 

[faffa_70]

LMAO my sister has the same problem 

[dede]

Im about to order some Vanilla beans to make the Vanilla Extract. Think I might get enough to make some for my sister and mother who both have TM's. sounds great.

[andiesenji]

Im about to order some Vanilla beans to make the Vanilla Extract. Think I might get enough to make some for my sister and mother who both have TM's. sounds great.

I buy vanilla beans in bulk - usually a pound at a time - I always have two or more quart jars in the process of "steeping" which can take at the least 4-5 months and is best at around a year.
I buy little blue or brown bottles and give the away as holiday presents, housewarming presents, etc.   I have yet to have someone say it wasn't as good, if not better than commercial products.

[dede]

My Vanilla Extract is now brewing (3 bottles to be exact). Got the Vanilla beans from Ebay and the Vodka from BWS. And still have vanilla beans left to make another batch if I want or keep to top up mixture in a few months time.
So how long should I wait till its ready?

[Nay-nay]

I think most people would say 3mths is ideal - it will just keep getting darker. If I run out I get impatient and use the next lot before as long as it has some colour the flavour will be there. 

[faffa_70]

I do try and wait for at least 6 months 

[Nay-nay]

Really!! Wow I'm so impatient!! 

[Frozzie]

I am going to try and not touch mine before christmas