The smell of vanilla summons fond memories of the icebox cookies my mother made for Christmas. She would mix the dough ahead of time, shape into rolls, and chill it in the refrigerator. To make the cookies, all you had to do was slice and bake. The dough freezes well, too. This is such a great cookie for anytime of the year.

Did you know that vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream sold in America? And that people about to show a house are told to either bake vanilla cookies or just warm vanilla extract so that the house will be filled with the wonderful aroma we all love.

Maybe that’s why it’s so expensive to buy vanilla extract in the store. It’s amazing, really, that anyone spends hard-earned money to purchase the store-bought version when homemade vanilla extract tastes so awesome and is so easy. Using brandy to make your vanilla vanilla extract elevates it into the gourmet category.

Have you priced gourmet vanilla extract lately?

If you’re not already making Christmas presents to give in December, there’s just time to start some for those on your Christmas list who will appreciate this thoughtful gift. And you’ll be able to give a quality gift that doesn’t break the bank.

But make enough for yourself, too. Once you’ve tasted homemade vanilla extract made with brandy, you won’t want to go back to store-bought.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Note: I am a proud Mountain Rose Herbs affiliate. Purchasing from the links in this post provides a small benefit to the Old Bohemian Homestead at no additional cost to you. Thanks so much for reading.

Ingredients

Quart of Brandy that is at least 35% alcohol.
Dried Vanilla Beans (Use 3-5 for every 8 ounces of brandy).

Equipment

Small Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Pretty 1-Quart Decanter or Glass Jar (If you find brandy in a decorative jar, you can always use it with the labels removed.)

Instructions

Make sure your decanter or glass jar is squeaky clean.
Pour in the brandy, leaving enough room for the vanilla beans to be added.
Slice down the center of each vanilla bean, trying not to cut it in half. Using the tip of the knife or a spoon, scrape the beans into the brandy. Also add the pods to the brandy.
Tightly seal the decanter or jar and set it aside for 2-3 months for optimum flavor. Pour into smaller amber bottles for gift giving, if you desire.
The brandy can be replenished as the extract is used.

Some Suggested Uses

Vanilla is really versatile, so there’s a lot you can do with it. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

Use in baking recipes calling for vanilla extract.
Add it to flavor coffee.
Use it to make vanilla milk.
Homemade ice cream made with homemade vanilla extract can’t be beat.
Use it with a bit of honey to flavor yogurt.
Mix vanilla extract with equal parts water. Being careful to avoid your eyes, spray your skin with this mixture to repel mosquitoes.
Add 3 Tablespoons vanilla extract to 1 cup of water in a mister bottle (not a spray bottle) to use as a light and healthy air freshener.

What are your favorite uses for vanilla extract? I’d love to know!

I want Old Bohemian Homestead articles from Janalyn Voigt.