5 Ingredients or Fewer

Homemade Vanilla and Lavender Extracts

July  3, 2014
4.5
2 Ratings
  • Makes one 1/2 liter bottle
Author Notes

Vanilla is one of those flavors that has a fundamental presence in the homes of bakers. And when making vanilla essence is this easy, why aren’t we all doing it? While you’re at it, go and pick some lavender (or pick some up from the market), dry it out, and have yourself some delicious lavender essence for cookies and cakes, too. —Trisha Jones

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 3 vanilla pods or 3 handfuls of dried lavender
  • 2 cups vodka
Directions
  1. Add the vanilla or dried lavender to a clean 1/2 liter bottle or jar, then add the vodka.
  2. Mix the bottle by inverting it a couple of times.
  3. Seal the bottle or jar and keep in a cool place for 1 to 2 months.
  4. Use your homemade extracts in all of your baking endeavors.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • MangoEats
    MangoEats
  • AntoniaJames
    AntoniaJames
  • CatalunaLilith
    CatalunaLilith

3 Reviews

MangoEats March 16, 2015
I second that question...what IS the best brand of vodka for this purpose? A little attention please :)
 
AntoniaJames August 10, 2014
What is the best brand of vodka for this purpose? ;o)
 
CatalunaLilith April 15, 2015
I would go with an unflavored vodka (obviously) that doesn't have an aftertaste (unless you want to experiment with having that flavor in your essence) but i wouldn't worry about having a strong alcohol taste, especially if you're going to cook it, since it would evaporate most of the alcohol flavor.