Homemade Vanilla, Cinnamon, Orange and Lemon Extract Recipes

If you’re like me, you appreciate an unlimited amount of vanilla when you’re cooking and baking.  So why not make yourself a “bottomless” vat of organic vanilla for use over the holidays, AND have extra to give as gifts?  By following this quick recipe, you’ll have a large supply of vanilla at your fingertips – all you have to do is wait a few weeks for it to cure.

About a year and a half ago, I realized how much vanilla I was using on a week-to-week basis.  I like using organic vanilla since since I’m trying to use whole ingredients.  I realized that I could be making vanilla in my own kitchen, so I decided to give it a try – and I have been using it ever since.

It’s so easy, I hope that you’ll give it a try as well!

All you will need is an airtight glass container, 10 - 12 vanilla beans and 1 bottle of vodka. 

Simply place the beans into your airtight jar and pour enough vodka over beans to cover them.

INGREDIENTS:

10 - 12 Vanilla Beans - I purchased 2 packages.  ** The price of vanilla beans has gone up over the past year, but keep in mind that you will not need to replace these for quite a while.**

Airtight Container or bottle

Vodka - I have used Rain Organic Vodka, but you can use the vodka of your choice.

I like to slice a few of the beans open so that the vanilla “caviar” is released  – you can strain this out later if needed by pouring through a coffee filter, or you can just leave the beans whole without slicing them at all.

Once you’ve poured the vodka over the beans, close up the container and you’re done!  Now you just have to wait 4-6 weeks to use it.  (and with each month that passes, it will get better and better!)

I print out a label and place on the jar so that I can remember the date of creation – otherwise I’ll forget.  

4-6 weeks later, you will have your own container of vanilla!

All labels pictured in this post can be found in my Fall/Holiday Labels Bundle.

This year, I realized that this concept of vodka + SOMETHING = an extract of some sort.  So, I decided to try cinnamon, orange and lemon extracts and they are coming along nicely!  I will definitely be upping our pancake game this holiday season as these flavors will really add some zing to our regular pancake recipes.   

CINNAMON EXTRACT INGREDIENTS:

3-4 Cinnamon Sticks

Airtight Container (the ones pictured are these.)

Vodka or Brandy

Place cinnamon sticks into airtight container and fill with vodka or brandy.  

Close container and place in a cool, dark area like the back of your pantry.  Shake the contents each day to combine.  Let steep for at least 4 weeks before using and then remove the sticks. 

ORANGE EXTRACT INGREDIENTS:

Peel of one orange, making sure there is no pith.  (the white part of the peeling)

Airtight Container (the ones pictured are these.)

Vodka

Place orange peel into airtight container and fill with vodka.  

Close container and place in a cool, dark area like the back of your pantry.  Shake the contents each day to combine.  Let steep for at least 4 weeks before using.  

LEMON EXTRACT INGREDIENTS:

Peel of one lemon, making sure there is no pith.  (the white part of the peeling)

Airtight Container (the ones pictured are these.)

Vodka

Place lemon peel into airtight container and fill with vodka.  

Close container and place in a cool, dark area like the back of your pantry.  Shake the contents each day to combine.  Let steep for at least 4 weeks before using.