For the last few years, one of my New Year’s resolutions has been to make more from scratch. While we’re not perfect, we’ve made huge improvements. It’s incredibly gratifying to make things yourself – and I’m often surprised at just how easy and doable it is. I’m starting a new series today, Make It Yourself Mondays, to highlight kitchen projects you can tackle yourself.

The first one I’m sharing is for something I use all the time – vanilla extract. Even when I started cooking more from scratch, vanilla extract is not something I thought I’d ever consider making myself. And then I learned how easy it was. There’s no cooking, and minimal prep and measuring – all you really need is some patience.

I purchased these vanilla beans from Amazon, because they were the best price I found (vanilla beans are expensive!). I got my bottles from Specialty Bottle (also the best price I found). Not only is this a great pantry staple, but it makes a really cute gift. If you want to dress up your bottles, lots of bloggers offer free, printable labels (like here, here, here and here).

Vanilla Extract
(inspired by Beantown Baker)

2 vanilla beans
1 c. vodka
Glass jar with lid

Split vanilla beans lengthwise (no need to scrape!) and place into jar. Pour vodka over the beans and cover. Place in a cool, dark place for approximately two months, shaking occasionally, before using.

Store in a cool, dark place.