Paiges Homemade Vanilla

     Do you realize that Christmas is only weeks away!!!??? …somehow, it is always just around the corner.  It’s time to get crackin' my friends! I only say that because if you want to do hand made gifts, you have to start early, and be organized…AND, Vanilla is no exception.  It takes 2 months minimum to fully process, and the longer the better quite frankly.  This stuff is worth its weight in GOLD!  I mean I LOVE this stuff!  I will never go back to store bought again!  So that being said, why wouldn't I want to share this with others, especially at the Holidays!?  I don't know about you, but receiving large trays of high calorie sugar laden desserts is not my idea of a gift!  It's TORTURE!  I used to be one of those gift givers, but I have realized over the years not to spend others calories, and especially at the Holidays when so many goodies are every where you turn.  Last year, I gave out a high quality unsweetened Dutch Processed Baking Cocoa (and I didn't receive any complaints).  When I was at a craft store the other day I stumbled on these cute little bottles, AND they were on sale, so I bought all they had in stock.  So when you are out and about, keep an eye out for great deals on 8oz bottles with lids. The longer the Vanilla has to cure the better it will be. So why not get a jump start on “Gift Giving”, then your offerings will be ready and waiting when the Holidays come around.  You wont be sorry😊

Ingredients~
Glass Bottle with Topper
Bourbon Whiskey or Smirnoff Vodka
Fresh Vanilla Beans
Sharp Knife
Labels~I ordered mine off Amazon, and even personalized mine...very easy, or do your own
Marker, if needed
Decorative Yarn, if desired

     The equation for making Vanilla is one bean per 2 oz of Alcohol.  I used a cup bottle in this process and so I used 4 beans per bottle.  Before putting the beans in the bottle, cut the bean length wise then cut in half , so they will be opened but short enough to be covered by the liquid.  Cure for a minimum of 2 months, preferably 3 months is recommended.  But the longer the better.  I finished mine off with labels purchased from Amazon, and even personalized very simply, or blank labels and then write on them with your Calligraphy  Pen and top off with a gold star sticker.  Feel free to add any embellishments you desire!  Just have fun and let the creativity flow!  Enjoy  ;)