Ladies, Start Your Vanilla!


I've really been enjoying baking with my
"Home-Made Vanilla"
so I think I'll be gifting a lot of it this Christmas.
(that's right--I've started!)
I hope everyone likes it! 


If you'd like to do the same, here's a heads-up:
Start your vanilla now!
Or at least within the next month or so.
Btw, if you click on the above link, make sure to note the 
comments under the post--good info there from some readers.
Thank you for those tips!


Here's another tip:
Use recycled jars.  They're free.
It'll keep less from going to the landfills.
I'm an every-little-bit-matters kind of person.


This bottle used to have olive oil in it.
Instead of tossing it, I saw it's long, thin shape 
and thought it'd be perfect for a vanilla bean.
To clean old labels off, slowly bring bottle to a boil in a covered
pan; shut off heat and allow to sit for a while.
(Yes, there is a chance it may break so do not boil hard!)
Scrape off with a knife or other straight edge.  
Any remaining can be removed with a metal dish scratcher 
while it's still hot.  Top off with a visit to
the dishwasher for a complete cleaning. 


I'm envisioning a printed label, 
and twine tied around it's neck.



These used to be olive jars.
Also thinking about ways to dress these up, 
add labels to the lids, etc.


Another thrifty method would be to use
mason/canning jars like I've done for my own
personal-use batch--in retrospect, I think a pint
would've been plenty for me.  I constantly top it 
 off with vodka so a quart wasn't really necessary.

Look around in your pantry 
and be creative!


Be sure to include an expiration date or log for 
the vanilla bean so that the recipient knows
exactly how long they can continue to replenish
their vanilla with vodka.

Linked to:
My 1929 Charmer

Comments

annemarie said…
This is so interesting - had no idea vanilla had vodka in it - and no idea you could make your own!!
Katy Cameron said…
Hmm, vanilla and vodka sounds rather appealing to me...
I've been making my own homemade vanilla for about 2 years now and absolutely LOVE it!!! I'll never go back to the store bought stuff!! Bourbon can also be used as the liquid base.

The beans that have been soaking can be chopped up & used in recipes for even more vanilla flavor.

To make this even more economical buy your vanilla beans in bulk. I order mine online from: www.olivenation.com
No more store bought vanilla for me, I'll be making my own. Gosh, but to wait so long. I've always got vodka in the house. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – you helped make the party a success!
Amy said…
So, can I just put vanilla beans into the vodka bottle?