Homemade extracts are so easy to make and they are cost effective. Store bought vanilla extract can be very expense – that is if you buy the real stuff instead of imitation. Making homemade extracts will save you a lot of money and they taste better! Most extracts require just two ingredients – an alcohol base and the flavor. The hardest part about making homemade extracts is allowing enough time. For the most flavorful extracts, you need to allow six weeks to three months of steeping time. If you are planning on making homemade extracts for holiday gifts, make sure your start now!
This year we will be gifting homemade vanilla extract and homemade mint extract. I have already started both extracts and they are coming along nicely. A couple of years ago we gave out homemade vanilla extract. My father-in-law reported that it was the best vanilla extract he had every used! I know he will be thrilled to receive a new bottle this year.
For my vanilla and mint extracts I used vodka. However you could also use brandy or white rum. Alcohol is a preservative, so you don’t need to worry about the extract going bad. Homemade extracts should be stored in a dark place or in a dark bottle away from direct light. While my extracts steep in mason jars, I place them in the pantry. When the extract is done and ready for gift giving, I poor the strained extract into brown bottles. Label the bottles and your gift is ready to go! Make a whole set of homemade extracts for a great gift for a baker!
Homemade Extract Recipes:
For more homemade gift ideas, checkout my previous Heartfelt Holiday posts!
Latest posts by Renae Chiovaro (see all)
- Last Minute Batgirl Costume - October 22, 2016
- Agnes & Dora: Comfortable & Affordable Clothing - September 19, 2016
- Life is a Highway - September 17, 2016
I’m so excited about this! I love baking and will begin canning next year. I can’t wait to start making my own extracts.