Besides chocolate being a popular flavor from Mesoamerica (Mexico/Central America) so is another famed flavor, Vanilla. Vanilla is a complex spice and each variety has its own flavor profile based on where they are grown. The most popular flavor you have seen frequently is the Madagascar Bourbon, but listed here are other less-known vanilla flavors.
Vanilla is my favorite flavor and the day is finally here! After waiting weeks of preparing my second batch of homemade vanilla bean extract it is ready to be used. I love making as much as I can from scratch so when I found a recipe I was excited to make it. I believe the simplest ingredients with a sprinkle of passion create desserts that taste so much better.
I got the idea and recipe from Beanilla when I discovered the cute DIY vanilla extract kit. I made my own extract using Madagascar vanilla beans and Heroes Vodka. However, I’m looking forward to preparing a variety of extracts from various regions like the Mexican, Tahitian, Papua New Guinea, Tongan, Ugandan, and Indian beans if possible. I’ve also heard others using various alcohols like Bourbon and Rum.
When you’re ready to use, don’t leave or throw the bean pods out! Here’s another blog post where I’ve written 4 ways to use vanilla bean pods. I’ve used the extract in my pancake/waffle mix, caramel, dulce de leche, and syrups. I’ve even seen my mom use it in her cup of coffee (She has actually taken a container of my vanilla sugar 😁 ).
Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world (2nd to be exact), and you’ll realize this once you gather all the ingredients together. It’s more economical to buy it, but it’s better than imitation. If you ever want to make your own batch or give it as a special gift here are some printable labels that I designed available for download.
I’ve designed two size labels to put on your bottles or jars:
3”x3 3/4”
Page 1 – Mexican / Tahitian / Madagascar
Page 2 – Indian / Ugandan / Tongan
Page 3 – Blank Vanilla Template / Papua New Guinea
There are two of each variety based on Avery 6874 template.
AuthorsweetbakerlinaCategorySauces & SyrupsDifficultyBeginnerSmall Glass Bottles
Knife
Cutting Board
Cut the vanilla bean in half.
Carefully scrape the vanilla beans with a knife and place them inside the bottle. Insert the vanilla pods into the bottle.
Measure the vodka and fill in your airtight bottle. Mix and shake like you're a bartender.
Leave in a dark cool place and leave for 8 weeks. Shake every week and you'll gradually see that it will get that dark brown color that you recognize.
- A good way to remember this recipe is one vanilla bean for every oz of alcohol plus 1-2 beans. I always like to have a deeper flavor of vanilla, so I add the extra beans. It also wouldn't matter if you get a lower grade of the beans it will still have flavor. I would save the better grade beans for a dessert.
- I only had a larger glass bottle available to me when I made my batches and had to lay sideways so the vanilla bean can soak, but I would suggest getting a smaller bottle.
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Ingredients
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation nor receive any compensation from Beanilla or any company I mention.
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