UPDATE: Costco vanilla has dropped in price! I keep a Costco price book, and the last time I checked vanilla, it was $9. I was updating the pricebook this weekend, and vanilla was $6! Three beans is probably not quite enough for a really strong vanilla, but it's sufficient for my non-gourmet purposes. Nevertheless, at $6 for 16 ounces vs $10.50 for homemade, it's not the cheaper option anymore.My new frugal experiment: homemade vanilla extract.
2 oz vanilla extract at Food 4 Less: $5 ($2.50/ounce)
16 oz vanilla extract at Costco: $9 ($0.56/ounce)
25 oz vanilla extract at Jen's Kitchen: $10.50 ($0.42/ounce)
(3 beans at the co-op = $4.50, 750 ml vodka from Trader Joe's = $6)
According to a variety of homemade vanilla sources, you only need to use half the called for amount in a recipe. So 25 ounces of homemade vanilla will last the same amount of time as 50 ounces of store-bought vanilla, making the overall cost even cheaper.
In addition, these three beans will supposedly last through multiple refillings of vodka, so that cuts the price per ounce down after the initial price of beans. I also purchased expensive beans at the natural foods store, but you can buy them in bulk for a cheaper per bean price. If you have a bunch of friends who want to make homemade vanilla, you will cut your cost even more.
I read a bunch of different "recipes" and ultimately decided to use 3 beans split down the middle and dumped into a 750 mL bottle of vodka. I will store the bottle in a cool, dark place and shake once a week for 4 weeks. After that, it is supposedly ready to use, but the recommended time is at least 8 weeks.
I'll let you know in a month how it turns out.
8 comments:
Woah... who knew?? I love the smell of vanilla. It's my favorite.
Oh wow! I would have never thought to do that. Thanks Jen! Nothing like a little pressure to post, eh? LOL As if you have nothing else to do evah...
So let me get this right - just just stuff the beans in vodka, shake it once a week for several weeks and then you have vanilla extract? Do you take the beans out when it's done?
Yes, Laura, you were definitely the inspiration for this post. LOL
You split the beans in half. I used kitchen shears to cut them up the middle leaving about 1/2" to hold the two strips together.
There are different schools of thought re: what to do with the beans. Some people strain them out and rebottle the vanilla in small vanilla bottles. Then they use the same beans with a new bottle of vodka. They apparently last for multiple infusions.
Other people just use the vodka bottle with beans inside and don't mind the bean bits that get poured out with the alcohol. And they top off the vodka every so often.
Finally, when the beans no longer flavor the vodka enough to make extract, you can cut them up and mix them with sugar and make vanilla sugar. Though I'm not sure what you do with vanilla sugar.
Linda, I love vanilla too. It's such a relaxing, calming smell.
Very cool, Jen! :D I was expecting a process that requires things make me groan, like double boilers...but this is simple enough!
I didn't know that some TJ's carry vodka! Just beer and wine in the ones in this prude state.
Can't wait to hear how it turns out in a few weeks!
Same here, Nana! And there was one random recipe that involved heating and scraping and rehydrating, and as soon as I saw it involved more than 2 steps I moved on to easier options for lazy me. LOL
Jen! This is amazing! Two great things: vodka and vanilla...so put your hands together!! =) ("Friends" reference anyone?) Anyways, you must tell us how it turns out. I'm super excited for the results!
P.S. Vanilla sugar is very yummy and can be used in a variety of ways. Use it in a fave cookie recipe to liven up your cookies or sprinkle it on top of a whipped dessert to make for a special touch! I imagine a wonderful application would be sprinkled on top of merengue cookies.
Jen I LOVE your blog- I am at family's house who actaully have the internet () so I can finally enjoy the splenders (we are living w/o at home) of the WWW especially on your page.
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