And I do hope I don’t forget any!!!! The beginnings of these gifts actually go back to last May and the purchase of 2 bottles (“fifths”) of vodka and many vanilla beans. Madagascar beans, grade B, are the best for making your own vanilla extract. Yup……those are the ingredients! Some people will add a bit of water but I did not resulting in a (close to) 80 proof vanilla. Be careful around an open flame!!!! Seriously! The extracting continued til a few weeks ago when I bottled, labeled and utilized the neat bags I had made with this fabric. So, now I have these………
See those beautiful beans???? As the vanilla is used, it’s possible to add more vodka or even water to make more!!!!! 
This was really an interesting project and one that I will repeat in the future, I’m sure. Pure vanilla, like this, will keep indefinitely on the shelf at room temp without special processing because of the significant alcohol percentage. Decreasing the alcohol to a level below 35% (70 proof) will shorten the keeping ‘life’.
Til next time, I think I’ll go look to see if I’ve forgotten any projects!
Treadlemusic 
I make my own vanilla too and it is the best.
It really is and not hard at all!!! I’m totally spoiled now!!! LOL!
Wow! I bet that’s the best ever! I used to drive across the border for years to get my vanilla from Mexico but these days I just buy it in the store.
After crossing the border last April and noticing that the Mexican militia were very armed and everywhere, I decided that making my own would be a good idea and it’s very good!!! 80 proof!!!!!! LOL!!!!
NO KIDDING! Hey speaking of being close to the border, someone commented on my blog (I think maybe yesterday or today) that they live in south Texas. I thought you might be near them.
Hopped over to “Texas Quilter”/Nannette’s blog to check it out. Not sure of her location…yet.
Wow, who knew that you could make this lovely necessity in your own home. YOU are so creative in every sense of the word. I love everything about this,…. that it’s home made, the labels are really cool and then you add your personal touch with those adorable little bags. I wanna be like you when I grow up. PS, it’s so nice to see the Henry Town church re built!!!
Thank you so much….I’m overwhelmed!! And….most definitely….it’s wonderful to see this church update (I’m just getting caught up!!!! sigh……….)
Where did you get those beans??!! Yummy!!
Post in the near future. Check out my reply to Pat in WNY.
What a great gift! And the bags are gorgeous! I’ve never tried this but always think I should. I’d like you source for vanilla beans too. Thanks. ~Jeanne
Check my reply to Pat in WNY. I will try to remember to do a post with better info once we get to Harlingen.
What a fabulous gift! Where do you source your vanilla beans please?
I got some of them from my local/La Crosse,WI, food coop and the best ones are grade ‘B’ beans from Madagascar and I got those off Amazon. The price will vary depending on crop success but if you stick with the type I’ve noted,just look for the best pricing. Even so….it’s kind of an expensive endeavor but so much fun!!!!!!!
Marvelous!
A few years ago a sister-in-law gifted family members with her homemade vanilla. We were all deeply appreciative. What a lovely and thoughtful gift.
I am definitely going to make more……since most all has found other homes!!!! Found a process that allows me to do it in the electric pressure cooker!!! How very “today”!!! LOL!!!!!!
I make my own vanilla, too–I have some I made with vodka and some with bourbon–woot!! Your gift bags are the perfect finishing touch!
Somehow, the fact that you make your own vanilla does not surprise me……you are one talented/creative gal (could be why we are such good bloggy friends, hmmmmmm????? LOL!!!!) Thanks so much for your sweet words!!!! Hugs……………..
The perfect gift and with the lovely bags too. I am sure the recipients will be thrilled. Hand made gifts are always so welcome. The fact you have made them makes them more special. While I am writing i just want to say have a very happy 2017 and I look forward to reading your blog for another year. Hugs to you and your family.
Will definitely pass along your best wishes to my resident/retired trucker DH!!!! I’m still somewhat “shellshocked” that the end of the year is upon us!!!!!!! Yikes!!!
Pure vanilla. Its the best, your friends are very lucky. A friend of mine makes her own & it smells divine
It IS the best!!! And those beans at the bottom of the bottle really can produce more if more alcohol is added (or water, if it would get too strong!!!!).