It's Ready!

You may remember a few posts ago, that I was making homemade vanilla flavoring with some vanilla beans I purchased in St. Lucia.  Believe it or not, the 6 weeks for it to ferment have passed and it's ready!  It smells wonderful, and I can't wait to taste it, either in a yummy peach cobbler, a splash in my morning coffee, or maybe even a chilled adult beverage.  The possibilities are endless!

Unless you're on your way to Madagascar or some Caribbean island, here are a few recommended links to buy vanilla beans online:   here,  here, and here or purchase at your local Costco.

Start with several vanilla beans, the more the better.  I only had 8.

Use empty, clean, clear wine bottles, or purchase bottles at a craft or kitchen store.  Any type of vodka and bourbon will do.  I opted for the less expensive brands, but they need to be 80-100% proof alcohol.

Place vanilla beans in each bottle.  Since I only had 8, I did 2 beans for each bottle.  But the more beans you have the better it will taste in the end.  Measure out 2 cups vodka, and...

...pour into each bottle.

Next add 2 Tablespoons bourbon to each bottle





Cork the bottles and store in a cool, dark place for at least 6 weeks. 
Give them periodic shakes during this time.

The end product will be dark in color depending on the number of beans you use. 
But it will continue to darken over time.