Basic Vanilla Guide
If you want simple, this is for you. Learn about the types of vanilla beans, how to make vanilla extract, and where to order high quality vanilla beans for an amazing price.
All Things Vanilla
Vanilla is simple, but can feel overwhelming. I created an all-in-one resource for you to learn how to make your own vanilla and included a library of my favorite recipes for you to try.​
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types of vanilla beans
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types of alcohol
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how-to make extract
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how to make paste
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alcohol vs glycerin
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ways to use your used beans
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recipes: vanilla honey tea spoons, frosting, cookies, cheesecake
and more
my story
As early as I can remember, vanilla has always been my favorite flavor. Whenever we went to get icecream, I'd choose vanilla with sprinkles every time. In 2020 I learned that I could make my own vanilla extract! I joined a co-op facebook group and read everything I could about making vanilla. I started my first extract in the beginning of 2021 with the intention to give it as Christmas gifts that year. Those little bottles were my favorite gift I've ever given.
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But I realized I didn't have much leftover for me. I immediately started another batch and now keep them in rotation consistently so I can bake and gift to my heart's content.​
3 vanilla facts
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Vanilla beans are grown in areas all around the world. Madagascar is the most well-known, but they grow well in Hawaii, Brazil, India, Uganda, Tahiti, and more.
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Vanilla flowers are hand pollinated. The flowers bloom one day a year for a few hours. If they are pollinated they produce a bean, if not, they shrivel until the next year.
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Vanilla is the most well-known flavor in the world and widely loved. (It's my favorite!)Depending on where the beans are grown, there are subtle differences in flavor from more fruity, to woody, to floral. Do you think you could tell the difference?
why homemade?
Most vanilla you buy at the store is imitation flavoring - not actual extract. If you're like me, you're trying to remove as many synthetics from your life as possible. The good news is that homemade vanilla is a lot more simple than it seems.
Homemade vanilla extract also has a much richer depth of flavor. Once you try it you'll never want to use the fake stuff from the store again. Get ready to level up your baking and have everyone say, "What's in this? It's delicious!!"
what you need
All you need are vanilla beans, alcohol or glycerin, a jar, and time.
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Simple right! I buy my vanilla beans through a co-op called Indri's Vanilla. They source their beans all over the world and the quality and price is incredible.
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To figure out how much you need and what type of vanilla bean or alcohol you want to use, click here or get my full guide here.
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