It's the Holiday Season!

Every year my husband and I host a holiday party at the beginning of the month and I always put together a gift bag.  My bag always includes homemade salsa, but every year I add something extra.  This year I decided to try my hand at homemade vanilla.  All it took was a little planning ahead and about an hour (probably less) of my time.

Back in September I ordered 4-ounce bottles, vanilla beans, and sent my hubby to the store for some vodka.  Once I had all of my supplies, I set to work.  I clipped the vanilla beans in half and stuffed some in a jar.

Once all of the jars were filled with vanilla beans I filled them with vodka.  In my research, I found that it didn't really matter which brand of vodka is best.  So, I went with a familiar brand.

Once they were filled, I set them in a closet and forgot about them.

Last week I found a pre-made label online and put it on my bottles.  I wish I had the time to make them all fancy like the website, but I didn't.

I accidentally dropped a bottle on my tile floor, and while I mourned the loss of a good bottle of vanilla, my kitchen soon smelled glorious, like I was baking cookies.  The longer the vanilla sits, the richer it becomes.  It was so easy to make, I don't see the need to buy expensive vanilla at the store anymore.  I could probably prepare it in bulk, it doesn't go bad.

So, there you go.  A great gift idea for next year!  If you make it this year, note on the label that it will be ready in three to four months.  If you have experience making vanilla, please share your tips!  I would love to learn more.

Happy Holidays everyone!