Just before Christmas I decide to make some homemade ‘Vanilla Extract’, Initially to give away as a gift, but I run out of time. I made the vanilla and put it at the back of my baking cupboard to permeate and totally forgot about it. I use vanilla allot in my baking and in most of my Italian cakes, gelato, biscotti and desserts too. So clearly invaluable to any keen cook.

I came across my homemade vanilla yesterday whilst spring cleaning my baking cupboard, a lucky and very fragrant find indeed. So I quickly sterilised a small bottle and decanter the contents of my vanilla jar into my snazzy bottle with a new fresh vanilla pod to add a little more punch. I buy a small bottle of vanilla extract every couple of months for my baking,  118ml cost around £5.80, so I much prefer the though of making my own.

My vanilla was made using good quality vodka, plump fairtrade Nadali vanilla pods, love and patience. That’s it, nothing else to it.

1 pint of vodka
4-6 vanilla pods, cut length ways
2 sterilised bottles

1. Take your bottles, wash and ensure they are clean. Alternatively make one large batch in a large Kilner jar, and then decanter into smaller bottles when your vanilla is ready.
2. Cut your vanilla pods length ways.
3. Place equal pods into each bottle or jar.
4. Fill the bottles with vodka and seal.

If you want to make a larger volume, just double the quantities.

Leave for at least three months for the vanilla to permeate the vodka. A perfect birthday or Christmas present.

Carmela x