My Pure Vanilla Extract was getting low and with the holidays just around the corner I had to get busy and make more. Making it is the easiest thing you can do. I ordered a bunch of vanilla beans on line to get started.
I strained what was left in my pure vanilla bottle. Discarded the vanilla beans inside and washed the bottle. I poured my existing vanilla extract back into the bottle. Next I sliced all of the vanilla beans in half exposing the fragrant seeds inside. I put all of the prepared vanilla beans inside the bottle.
Once all of the new fresh beans were inside the bottle I poured vodka into the bottle to the top. Are you surprised pure vanilla extract is made with alcohol? Rum can be used as well, however, I prefer the flavor with vodka.
Place the cap on the bottle and store in a brown paper bag in a cool, dark place. The bottle needs to be shook about once a week or whenever you can. It will be ready to use once it turns really dark. I try to store mine for 3 months but the longer the better flavor you will get.
Here is my original post with a printable recipe card for making PURE VANILLA EXTRACT.