Has anyone ever made vanilla extract from vanilla beans and how do you do that .?

Question

I have read that making vanilla extract is easy when using vanilla beans. Does anyone know how and how long it takes to make the extract?
And where do you get the vanilla beans.

Answer 1

Take two or three good size vanilla beans and slice them down the center, lengthwise. Place them in a bottle (a 20 oz. coke bottle works well) and fill the bottle with liquor. Vodka and rum work the best. Seal tightly and let it sit until it's good and dark.

Answer 2

Vanilla extract is using alcohol to extract the flavor of the vanilla into a liquid and stable form.
Vodka is the alcohol of choice many times due to it's lack of smell.
You can get vanilla beans wherever they sell spices. Just try to avoid ones that look dried up and shriveled. If they look a little moist like a raisin, they are at their peak. They are also sold on ebay by some people who offers great deals, but in such quantity it is best to go in on a bunch with some friends. If you buy it in the grocery, it will be 1-3 beans in a bottle at most.

Need a recipe?

Vanilla Extract Recipe #22724
This is a wonderful alternative to store-bought. You can get the beans in a health-food store.
by wildheart
15
average uses
time to make 1 min 1 min prep
1/2 cup vodka
4 vanilla beans

1. Put the vodka in a sterilized glass container.
2. Break or chop the beans into pieces and drop into the vodka.
3. Cover the vodka with a lid.
4. Let sit on a shelf for 2 weeks, shaking every other day.
5. Use a tad bit less than you would regular vanilla extract.
6. When you are gettting low, just add more vodka if the beans still smell good.

Answer 3

Vanilla Extract

Ingredients
2 vanilla beans, split
2 cups premium Vodka [Belvedere, Grey Goose or Ketel One]

Method
Place the split beans in a jar containing the vodka, seal, and let stand in a cool dark place for 6 months

Answer 4

It's very easy, but expensive, as opposed to buying a good quality vanilla extract.

Soak 8 opened vanilla beans in 1/2 cup of grain alcohol for 3 days to a week.

You can get good quality beans from Penzeys.