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HOME MADE VANILLA ESSENCE
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Difficulty level: Easy
Time: 5 minutes preparation

Store bought vanilla essence can be costly. They also contain a lot of excess sugar and preservatives that frankly do not need to be there!
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This is an extremely easy way to make vanilla essence that works out much cheaper in the long term.
Ingredients
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750ml bottle of 80 proof (40% alcohol) vodka
10 vanilla pods
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Method
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Slit the vanilla pods and extract the seeds by scraping a knife along the pod. Add beans into the vodka.
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Add all of the empty vanilla pods into the bottle of vodka.
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Put the vodka bottle cap on and shake the bottle vigorously.
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Store in a dark cool place for 6 weeks. Each week give the bottle a shake to mix up the vanilla beans and help to infuse the vodka.
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After 6 weeks your essence is ready to use.
Tip: The essence is ready after 6 weeks although the longer you leave it, the stronger the vanilla flavour becomes. Six to twelve months is recommended for optimal flavour.
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