Skip to main content
Epicurious
Bon Appétit

Vanilla Essence

A homemade version of vanilla extract.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

2 cups brandy
4 vanilla beans, split lengthwise

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place brandy in jar. Scrape in seeds from vanilla beans; add beans. Seal tightly.

    Step 2

    Let stand in cool place at least 2 months, shaking jar occasionally. Store in cool dark place.

TagsCondimentBrandyAlcoholBeveragesVanillaHerbs & SpicesNut FreeGluten FreeDairy Free5 Ingredients or FewerMeal PrepEasyNo-CookBon Appétit
Read More
Mint Julep
A strip of lemon zest balances this refreshing spring classic.
Pickle Lemonade
Country-style lemonade with a salty-tangy twist.
Dirty Martini Spritz
Attention, martini drinkers and spritz drinkers: Please for a single line.
Île Flottante
Originally called omelette à la neige (snow omelet) in reference to the fluffy snow-like appearance of the meringue, île flottante (floating island) has a lengthy history that dates back to the 17th century.
Fufu
Fufu is a dish that has been passed down through many generations and is seen as a symbol of Ghanaian identity and heritage. Making fufu traditionally is a very laborious task; this recipe mimics some of that hard work but with a few home-cook hacks that make for a far easier time.
Pickle Coleslaw
Creamy, vinegary, and with lots of fresh dill.
Vodka Gochujang Pasta
This pasta has some really big energy about it. It’s so extra, it’s the type of thing you should be eating in your bikini while drinking a magnum of rosé, not in Hebden Bridge (or wherever you live), but on a beach on Mykonos.
Black Rice Pudding
Turn inky black rice into a dreamy coconut milk pudding you’re fully authorized to enjoy for breakfast or dessert.