Bonnie, it costs as much as a bottle of cheap vodka and some vanilla beans--which cost a great deal less when you buy them online than what they go for in stores. I don't remember who posted the original info about making your own, but I've done it that way ever since reading that thread. All my foodie friends have gotten a bottle, and I still have plenty left for me. I don't think I'll ever go back to store-bought extract.

Well, my record holds for not agreeing with Cooks Illustrated about anyting. I like homemade best, but Nielsen-Massey is what I bought when I lived where Prohibition was alive and well. The Frontier that Carnelia mentions is really nice in frostings. I haven't found it in a while, though. Nice to know it's still around.

I wonder how a homemade cinnamon extract would come out? Hmmm...may have to experiment.

I use Neilsen-Massey and have for a long time. There may be a better vanilla out there; it's just that I like it and haven't been inclined to try anything different. Once in a while I think I should give the Costco a try. You can't beat the price.

I also have some Totonac Mexican vanilla (imported) but use that mainly in unheated desserts and beverages. Next time I buy Mexican vanilla I'm going to try Blue Cattle Truck. I've heard some wonderful things about that brand.

I've tried making my own vanilla but decided this is one case where I like what the pros do better.

Lou, I don't really know anything about Azteca one way or the other. It doesn't appear to be imported to the U.S., so there just isn't much information beyond cruiseline and travel forums. A lot of people buy it. Most like it.

Watkins of course is an old brand. I grew up with Watkins and kind of lump it and the Fuller Brush man in the same category. I know years ago the vanilla got awards, so I guess it depends on whether they've stuck to the same formula.

Speaking of vanilla, I've included a link to Charles H. Baldwin and Sons, who've been brewing vanilla in oak barrels in Massachusetts since 1888. I've got kind of a soft spot for an American company that sells vanilla and stove blacking. You've gotta luv'em for that.

I haven't tried their vanilla but it's on my list. There are people on the King Arthur Flour forum who swear by it.

Carol

Here is a link that might be useful: Baldwin & Sons Vanilla

I too use Costco's Vanilla...It's tasty..but if you use it in things that don't get cooked much..you can "taste" the alcohol..

I just put 5 or 6 beans into a bottle of rum tonight and tucked it away.

wow .. there is some great info here about vanilla.. yesterday i recieved a recipe that called for Virginia Dare vanilla... I was looking on this forumn to see what was the difference between vanillas..... I WANT to try making my own..... tell me please.... how many vanilla beans ???

Ack! Do I need to throw away my Penzey's Mexican?

No....Penzey's vanilla won't have tonka beans in it.
It's the vanilla that someone brings back from a trip or that you may find in a store with items imported from Mexico...legal or not.
Linda c

Here's one version but people who make their own vanilla mixture have their favorite tweaks for the basic formula. Time is the biggest consideration. The longer it sits the better.

This recipe for homemade vanilla extract comes from Heriberto Larios, a vanilla advocate and Papantla (Veracruz)curer and grower. Papantla is believed to be the home of vanilla cultivation.

1. Place 10 vanilla beans (split lengthwise) in an amber-colored, sealable glass container.
2. In a separate container, dissolve 1 tbsp. sugar in 1 liter brandy or rum (dark or white).
3. Pour solution over beans, and store sealed container in a cool, dark place.
4. In 15 days, the spirits will be infused with the rich scent and mahogany color of real vanilla.

Carol

Check this out...I bet it's delish with this many beans..

I opened the bottle of Rum, and stuck in 5 or 6 beans. Did nothing else.

Here is a link that might be useful: Homemade Vanilla

If a cake recipe uses one TBSP of vanilla, and makes 24 servings, how much vanilla do you get in one serving?

If a cookie recipe uses 1 tsp of vanilla, and makes 36 cookies, how much vanilla do you get in one cookie?

Seems to me, a little perspective should be used here.

How much of the coumarin in the vanilla will cause serious problems? Or, how many cookies or pieces of cake would you have to eat at one time for it to be harmful?

Yes, I use Mexican vanilla quite often, but it does seem to have a different flavor than my preferred vanilla, which is Adam's Best, Pure Vanilla Extract.

Rusty

Hi...first timer on this forum. This summer we visited the Stockbridge, Massachusetts area. I made sure we went to the tiny village of West Stockbridge where the family of Charles Baldwin still sells their homemade vanilla, worcestershire sauce, and countless other natural/homemade extracts. The vanilla is quite good, and the shopkeepers were extremely nice and informative. A cute place to visit.

Trader Joe's. 4 oz bottle, can't remember the price, probably around $3.99.

This is really a good thread for me as I forgot my vanilla bean experiment. I bought a bottle of vanilla beans last year; poured something in the bottle (I think I used vanilla bean extract crush from Sonoma Syrup Co) and it has been brewing all this time. I But now I know the right way to make homemade vanilla. I think I'll make more for Christmas presents for the cooks on my list. Thanks!

So I'm thinking now of trying to make my own.

Does it matter what brand of vanilla beans - or can I go for the cheapest?

Bonnie

Bonnie, I got mine from HomeGoods at a good price and a fancy bottle to boot. But I realize that this genre of store doesn't have consistent inventory--hit or miss. The blog that Terri linked to has a good source for ordering beans.

http://www.vanillaproductsusa.com

This is the company that I have ordered from, and their beans are Fantastic. Fast shipping too !!! Check out their website. Diana55

They sell on Ebay too. I buy the Madagascar beans from them. Fantastic Beans they sell. Big & Juicy !!! Just ask AnnT. Diana55

A question: how long and how much can vodka continually be added to a bottle of beans?
I keep reading, top off the finished product with more vodka as you use it up.
What does that mean?
I have never made vanilla becuase I don't use much but it might be fun.

Maybe this will help?

Here is a link that might be useful: Make Vanilla Extract

Does the quality of the vodka count? Do you have to use the "good stuff" or can I use the "other stuff" I use to clean my sinks and bathroom? Yes, I use cheap vodka to clean -- it is a natural disinfectant, doesn't smell, it's cheap by the gallon and cleans good. Can I use it for making vanilla as well or should I use the stuff on the upper shelves of the liquor store?

I usually buy Penzey's Double strength vanilla but I was in Costco last week and found two vials of Madagascar vanilla beans for $11. Rodelle brand. I could not pass them up for the price So I have plenty of beans to experiment with! -maria

I can smell a cheap vodka, ick, tastes bitter also. I use 100 proof Smirnoff.

Perhaps the Vanilla was funky that I bought in Mexico was due to the fact I have only been to the 2 armpits/border towns of Mexico.
At least the #5 was dirt cheap and the real deal, lol.

How long do the vanilla beans last, stored in the original container in the cabinet?

It lasts forever, because the Alcohol preserves the beans. Diana55 P.S.....The longer it sits the better it gets !!!

A few days ago, I found some Rose & Ivy Madagascar Bourbon Premium Vanilla Extract at TJ Maxx. It comes in the cutest little flip-top bottle, like European beer. Haven't baked with it yet, but it sure smells good.

I mean JUST the vanilla beans.... how long are they good for?

I use Smirnoff, too, busylizzy. I meant cheap compared to, like, Absolut or Grey Goose or Stoli or Ketel or any of the really exotic, even more expensive ones. Using high-end vodka for vanilla extract seems like kind of a waste. Unless you're Warren Buffett. Or Jimmy Buffett, I guess. ;o)

I like the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar vanilla the most, but haven't tried making my own -- that sounds like fun.

Yeah Maureen I was responding to another poster who uses Vodka to clean the bathroom. So, I was assuming the well type vodkas, Bankers Club etc.. Smirnoff 100 proof here is 17.00 or so per 750Ml.
Hence, that is not in my budget for a sink cleaner.

Shaun, I found a Vanilla Bean in a glass tube that had to be 20 years old, suprisingly it was still plump, moist and the beans had flavor.

I'd say vanilla beans will last almost indefinitely if not exposed to air. I buy in bulk, divide into groups of three and vacuum seal.

Don't refrigerate vanilla beans. Leave at room temp.

Carol

You've answered all my questions about vanilla beans, and now I've gone from 'why bother' to being excited to make my own vanilla. Thanks!

Bonnie

Walmart just started to carry the Watkin's brand vanilla, I was skeptical to try it (I had never heard of the brand believe it or not) but I'm glad I did. It has a much stronger vanilla flavor than even Nielsen-Massey brand vanilla that sells for 3 times as much.

I really like that Watkins is low alcohol, because I don't get that boozy flavor when I use it in candy and ice creams.

Thanks!! I'm going to buy some vanilla beans and make my own vanilla!

Now here's a simple question. Simple, meaning dumb. When you are giving these out as gifts, where do you get the bottles to put it in? It has to be brown?

Petra, I have a bottle of that Rose & Ivy in my cupboard. It's pretty decent, and I like the bottle, too! LOL

I picked it up at Home Goods, it's 9 fl. oz. and the price tag is still on it:

Compare at $20.00
Our Price $9.99

I'd never pay $20 but I thought it was worth the 10 bucks I paid.

PS...Shaun, this brand is in a clear bottle. The batch I am making is also in a clear bottle. Hope that clears things up! LOL (Sorry, I couldn't resist...)

Linda

Linda, it was $7.99 at TJ's, I don't think I'd pay $20 for an extract either. :o) They also had a kit to make your own vanilla extract, it contained several beans. That just might jump into my shopping cart next time.

Linda, thanks - you cleared things up for me! hahah!

I was at TJ Maxx yesterday and had one of those glass bottles kits in my hand. Only 7.99 for a pretty bottle with 3 beans all ready in it, just add alcohol. I resisted though :->

Yeah, the batch I started a month ago is in a clear canning jar. But, it is tucked away in a closet, so it gets no light.

For bottles, well I am a hoarder. When I needed Red Wine Vinegar for pickling this summer I bought small glass bottles and have enough for the Cherry Bounce and Lemoncillo gifts. I was in some craft store and found small glass jars for the Vanilla in green glass.
If my memory serves me correct, in craft stores clear bottles are in the Sand Art section, Amber bottles would be found in the Soap/Potpurri/Essential Oil Sections.
Alternatively, ask at the Pharmacy counter if you can order small Amber bottles. It's getting tougher with Mom-n-Pop Pharmacies going out of business, but they have always been a great resource for some things.

Shaun you are ever so welcome! LOL

Why buy a "kit" when all you have to do is pick up some "beans" and raid the liquor cabinet? Any old bottle will do, but I found some really cute little square bottles with corks at a garage sale. Put some Limoncello in one and gave to a girlfriend as a gift. Now my vanilla is bewing in another. Still have one more....think it's time to make some more Limoncello!

Linda

Our local health food store carries amber bottles in various sizes--they buy vanilla and other things in bulk and repack them into smaller bottles. They were more than happy to sell me a dozen 4-oz. amber bottles for 69 cents apiece. Much cheaper than it would've cost to order online, with shipping.

I'm guessing that you could get them at your own health food store, or places that sell herbs and spices or oils for fragrances, etc.

After reading this, I really want to make my own, but I was at Target. If Walmart has Watkins vanilla, Target will probably have it, too. I looked, and there it was for $2.89 so I purchased it. Haven't tried it yet, but will. Thanks for the tip!

I always buy it at Costco. It's pretty good. I've never made my own because I don't think that I would use it fast enough.

I saw Giada on the Today Show the other morning and she showed how to make it real quick for gifts just like what was posted above. I bet it is good.

maureen! thanks for that info!

You're welcome, Shaun.

I realize I could've been clearer, by the way. What I meant to say was that the health food store where we shop buys those bottles for things they're going to repack and resell. They don't "carry" them in the sense that they have them out on the shelves for sale. But if you go in and ask if they'd be willing to sell you some, they're glad to. So if you don't see them on display in the stores where you go to check, ask anyway, and I bet you'll be able to buy some.

(The explanation took longer than the original post. I should be a politician.)

I order bottles and other containers from Specialty Bottle.
They are in the Seattle Area..so shipping isn't to bad for me...but what I love about their shopping cart, is you know exactly the cost you are in for..
You could order Amber or syrup or whatever kind of bottles/jars and tins you want.

Here is a link that might be useful: Specialty Bottle

Terri, sorry it has taken so long for me to get back with you...but thanks for posting that link. It's still not clear to me though.
This is from the deliciously organic site:

"after chatting a bit with some of the ladies from Rodelle (a company that sells some amazing organic vanilla) they informed me that in order for vanilla to be classified as an "extract" you need 18-20 vanilla beans per 750ml of alcohol. They also told me that in order to get the best flavor out of your beans you can chop them up before adding them to the alcohol, or let the whole beans ferment in the alcohol for at least 2 months. Homemade vanilla lasts a couple of years if kept in a cool dark place and there is the added benefit of having wonderful fermented vanilla beans in your pantry to be used in your baking."

So,if I keep adding vodka, it won't be extract strength anymore?

Target had the Rodelle organic stuff. I didn't purchase because I didn't know who they are. Silly me!

Bumblebeez,

Since I've never done this before, I can't answer any questions from personal experience.

I think that those that have successfully made their own, and top off with more alcohol, seem to be happy..I'm betting that it's not an exact science and anything is better than nothing.
LOL
Right??

i love danncy pure vanilla, its a family tradition more than 30 years. I never gone to the hospital ya'll so i dont care what the fda says
I LOVE DANNCY VANILLA

I have a bottle of homemade vanilla that has been brewing for a year and forgot about it until this thread. So I started using it. I guess I did something wrong because it has a very strong alcohol taste so I didn't use it in Beau's whipped cream.