The vodka takes on a very dark colour from the vanilla,
this jar of extract has been steeping for almost 4 months.
I once bought a bottle of vanilla extract and it costs me RM30. It didn’t even last for two months. So by some good grace, Jaya Grocer was selling these vanilla pods for like RM6. I bought several packets immediately. They’re not the best vanilla pods available, in fact I think they’re from Indonesia but I’m not complaining, they do have a nice vanilla flavour although maybe not as strong as the Madagascar type. If you can get the best vanilla pods available, good for you. Make no mistake, vanilla essence and extract are two different things. Essence is artificial flavouring while extract is the authentic thing. Although essence is way more affordable, I stopped using them because I felt I don’t taste the difference anyway.
Making your own vanilla extract is an initial investment but you save a ton of money later. All you need are vanilla pods and some sort of alcohol. If you read the ingredients in store-bought vanilla extract, they use alcohol that has about 30% content, that is the permissible level for markets. I used vodka which is like 40% / 70-80 proof (pretty normal in most vodkas)…so imagine how thoroughly infused that is.
Split your vanilla pods open in the middle with a knife and place them in a glass jar, pour the vodka or bourbon until just about cover the pods. Close lid tightly and let it steep. Wait at least two weeks before using. Give a shake occasionally. I made three jars of vanilla extract, two small and 1 big one. I just finished a small jar few days ago and it lasted me 6 – 8 months. I have used my extract on countless cakes and muffins, pancakes, creams and other desserts. This is really one of the best things to have in your pantry if you love to bake or love making desserts.
70% vodka?? Wow!
The best I could find was 40%
aiyo! I made a mistake lah…i meant to say 40% with 70-80 alcohol proof…..haha…must rectify that….70% is actually VERY illegal dy. 😛
Thanks for pointing it out…if not people would think where did I get 70% vodka.
I actually saw those ‘cheap” vanillas in JG too, since last year. But I never bought any. I used my cheapo stuff from Bake with Yen to make my own VE, cos they are a bit too dry to scrape but flavour wise, not too bad.
Still have lots from my last online purchase, Tahitian vanilla. Next time if I get to see you, share some with you,
Haha, dat would be great! I did consider buying online vanilla pods too but wasnt sure which site was reliable. Still…the JG one is not too bad.
it’s nice too see that vanilla pods beginning to show up in local stores.i too saw some in my usual baking shop and i was like jumping of joy…1 for RM3.90. not sure where its from but yeah maybe our neighbour country. is precious making your own vanilla extract and i wanna make one too and hopefully get to use it for CNY bakes. so question is may i know what brand of vodka you are using?
Hi Lisa, I’m using Absolut Vodka…the unflavoured one.