HOMEMADE VANILLA EXTRACT

Store-bought vanilla extract is extremely expensive, and not nearly as delicious as the stuff you can make yourself with just two simple ingredients: vanilla beans and liquor! Purists like to use vodka because the taste doesn’t compete with the vanilla, but if you like cooking with rum, you might want to try using that instead. (This, by the way, makes an EXCELLENT gift for foodies.)

What you need:

A jar with a tight-fitting lid

3 vanilla beans

1 cup vodka (or light rum)

What you do: 

1. Sterilize jar (a jam jar is fine) using boiling water (just pour in boiling water, leave to sit a few minutes, and rinse).

2. With the tip of a sharp knife, slice the beans open lengthwise to reveal the seeds.

3. Add beans and liquor to jar; close securely; give a few good shakes.

4. Leave to sit for at least eight weeks, shaking the jar every few days. The mixture will slowly grow darker and darker. 

Tip: When you notice you’re running low on extract – if the jar is, say, only about 2/3 full – just top it off with a little more alcohol and give it another good shake. Likewise, if you notice a bean getting a bit sad-looking, just replace it with a fresh one. You can “feed” the jar like this pretty much forever.