Homemade Gift Ideas part 2: How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

I used to think vanilla extract would be too complicated to make at home. I truly couldn't believe when I realised it was only two ingredients! And what's more, it requires zero cooking.

So I found out that not only is vanilla extract super simple to make, but it also tastes exquisite. I'm not even exaggerating.

Or maybe I'm just obsessed with vanilla? I surely can't be alone! In fact, there have been numerous studies which show that the scent of vanilla has a stress reducing effect.

So there you go, another reason why everyone needs this as a gift!

Enough of me waffling, let's get started: Homemade Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:

For a 250ml bottle (like this), you'll need:

• 250 ml Spiced Rum

• 3 Vanilla Pods (like this)

A note on the ingredients: this can be made with plain vodka or white rum but, take it from me, spiced rum really makes a difference in the flavour of the vanilla extract. These ingredients compliment each other beautifully, it really seems the spiced rum enhances the vanilla taste.

Directions:

All you need to do now is slice the vanilla pods lengthways in half and pop them into a glass bottle. Add spiced rum until the pods are covered and leave in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks.

You can actually top up your bottle with spiced rum 2-3 times as you run low to get more use from the pods. The gift that keeps on giving!

This vanilla extract also keeps really well. We read that it can keep for 6+ years! Not that it would ever last that long with us around!