Tools for Natural Living

It's incredibly easy to make your own vanilla extract, and for a lot less money too. In fact, the only significant investment you'll need to make is a bit of time.

Ingredients

4 whole organic Vanilla Beans
1 cup brandy or vodka

Directions

 

Using a sharp paring knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the seeds (but don't remove them!). Place the split vanilla beans in a mason jar with a tight-fiting lid, then cover with the alcohol and secure the lid. Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, remembering to give it a gentle shake once a day. When the desired strength is reached, strain off the vanilla beans out and bottle the extract.
 

Get organic whole vanilla beans to make this ...