How to: Make Vanilla Extract

Note: Vanilla beans come from various countries - Madagascar, Mexico and Tahiti. Each one lends its own flavor for a unique extract.

Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:
3 vanilla beans
1 cup vodka
1 glass jar with tight fitting lid

Directions:
Use kitchen scissors or a sharp paring knife to cut lengthwise down each vanilla bean, splitting them in half, leaving an inch at the end connected. Put vanilla beans in a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid (mason jars work well). Cover completely with the vodka. Give the bottle a good shake every once in a while. Store in a dark, cool place for 2 months or longer.

This will last for years. You can keep topping it off with vodka once in a while as you use it, just remember to give it a good shake.

For Vanilla Sugar:
You can also make vanilla sugar by putting a split vanilla bean into a jar of white, granulated sugar. Great way to infuse the sugar with vanilla flavor for baking.