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Do You Make Homemade Gifts? If So – THIS

Have you ever gotten a homemade gift that made you cringe?

Ugh.

I’m uncomfortable just thinking about it.

CRINGE NEVER MORE!

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Homemade Vanilla is my favorite cringe-proof gift to give.

I offer this homemade gift idea every year for two reasons:

#1: Homemade vanilla astounds people, so there’s the happy surprise element: You made homemade vanilla?! AMAZING!

We all love to feel those feels, right?

#2: Flavored vodka.

What?

I had to throw that in because that’s what Boy teasingly calls it (he’s not exactly wrong), as he covets a refill from my pantry.

Well, the jokes on him, because this vanilla is phenomenal and drinkable.

Prior to making your own vanilla extract, you will need to gather a few items.

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Gather:

Buy Grade A or Grade B vanilla beans from Amazon or a reputable grocery store.

Buy 80 proof vodka or White Rum. (I used Tito’s Vodka, like the good Texan I am, although you could go with the most ridiculously inexpensive vodka you can find.)

Buy containers to store both beans and vodka. (wide mouth quart mason jars!)

Optional: Buy wide mouth jar lids for easy shaking.

Got everything? Good. Let’s get started.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract in 5 Easy Steps

Step One:

Using a sharp knife, cut/snip beans about halfway up. More or less, doesn’t really matter.

Do You Make Homemade Gifts? If So - THIS

 

Step Two:

Place beans in jar/s.

Do You Make Homemade Gifts? If So - THIS

 

Step Three:

Fill to cover beans with alcohol of your choice.

Do You Make Homemade Gifts? If So - THIS

 

Step Four:

Screw lid on securely, then place in cool dark place. Mine went to the back of my pantry.

Do You Make Homemade Gifts? If So - THIS

(this pic is pre-three-month-hideaway)

Step Five:

About once a week or so, you can shake the jars.

I did for about three weeks then totally forgot about them until my calendar alerted me that they were ready for use.

You decide. Works either way.

Keep the jars in the dark cave anywhere from six weeks to three months, depending on the final strength you’d like your amazing homemade nectar.

NOTE: I always wait three months for a bolder strength.

No cringing here.

Homemade vanilla is a gift that keeps on giving.

Get to making!

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When You Need a Sweet Snack - Oops All Berries Treats

Monday 22nd of October 2018

[…] 1 tbsp homemade vanilla […]

candy

Tuesday 25th of September 2018

I make this every year and make several batches for myself to use and for gifts. Found you on Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop.

Patti Tucker

Wednesday 26th of September 2018

I bet folks love being on your gift list!

Rebecca Flansburg

Tuesday 25th of September 2018

I am on a mission to make more gifts this year! This is PERFECT! Thanks for the inspiration. Stopping by from the link up

Patti Tucker

Tuesday 25th of September 2018

Thank you!

Sandi

Monday 24th of September 2018

Oh, NOW I found your vanilla recipe after scrolling down a bit. DUH. Got too busy reading about Mason jars. Jeepers!

Patti Tucker

Monday 24th of September 2018

You made me go back into the post - afraid I had forgotten it!

Glad you found it.

Go. Make. Enjoy!

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