Nevertheless, my favorite ice cream is unadulterated vanilla.  And my favorite concoction from Starbucks?  Vanilla Latte, of course.

I’m a baker so I work with vanilla often.  Bakers know not to buy the artificial flavoring stuff, but to spring for the extract.  Vanilla extract made from organic Mexican vanilla beans is even better.

I wanted to play pioneer woman this year, so I made my own vanilla.  It was a fun and creative time out from the craziness of crowds at the shopping mall.

It’s so easy to make!  Who knew?

Here’s the basic ingredient list:

vanilla beans       vodka                                                                                                                                  spiced rum
round glass bottles

After some research, I ordered the vanilla beans from The Atlantic Spice Company (atlanticspicecompany.com) at a cost of 17.40 for 4 oz., or about 24 beans.  Note:  These are not the more expensive Mexican beans, which can cost more than a dollar per bean.

My efforts to collect empty extract bottles from coworkers, family, and friends resulted in a grand total of three.  It takes a long time to go through a bottle of extract!  So I ordered amber 4 oz. bottles from Beanilla Trading Company (beanilla.com) at $2.75 each.  I was in business.

Look how simple to make vanilla.

Split the vanilla beans lengthwise, leaving the pod attached at the end. Fold and insert 2 beans into a 4 oz. bottle.

Using a funnel, add 1 teaspoon spiced rum, and fill the bottle the rest of the way with cheap vodka.

Store in a cool dark place for a minimum of 8 weeks.  It takes that long for the alcohol to become vanilla.  And the longer it sits, the better it gets.  Specks of the vanilla bean will work loose from the bean, so shake the bottle before use, and don’t be alarmed by any dark specks in your vanilla.  Think Breyer’s vanilla bean ice cream.

Tie up the bottles with some raffia, or any twine or ribbon.  Stick on a label and you have a much-appreciated and exclaimed over Christmas gift.

Then pour yourself a shot of vodka to celebrate.

Happy New Year, Blog Readers!