So, I decided to post about it (I know, I know... just like every other blogger out there. It's a popular topic.)
First of all, get yourself a 1.75 L bottle of Vodka and a half pound of vanilla beans. (Do not buy these from a local store, you'll pay through the nose. Order online. I have used www.olivenation.com and have been happy. Best of all, they frequently have coupon codes and they always have free shipping on vanilla beans.)
I pour the Vodka into wide-mouth canning jars. You want to use at least 8 vanilla beans per cup of vodka.
Slice each bean the long way, and insert into the vodka.
Let sit for about 3 months and shake it when you think of it.
You'll see it getting darker and darker.
When it's done, you won't smell the Vodka.
For gift-giving, I purchased 4 oz amber bottles from HERE. I think I got 4 dozen and they were about a buck each after shipping.
I downloaded THIS free image and doctored it up using WORD.
The perfect, useful little gift.
Oh, this is great!! I wonder if the alcohol in the vodka is absorbed by the vanilla beans or something, very interesting. I will definitely have to try this! I assume you strain out the vanilla beans before putting it into the gift bottle? I love that you also included links for everything, makes it so easy for us to copy your idea! :-)
ReplyDeleteAmy
I actually leave a couple beans in each of the bottles. Recipients can top them off with more vodka if they want. I don't think the alcohol goes anywhere, the vanilla just masks the flavor.
ReplyDeleteOk, good to know! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lanette! This tutorial is great! Now if only I could keep vodka around for long enough to make this:-) The Vanilla Extract I received had the beans removed and smelled sooooo good!
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