Homemade Vanilla Bean Extract

• 2 Cups (16oz.) Vodka

**Note: Recipes vary.  Vodka is most common used.  However, rum, brandy or bourbon are also mentioned.

• 6 Vanilla Beans - Bulk Herbs & Spices
• 1 Clean, glass jar (a canning jar is fine)

Cut vanilla beans in half lengthwise with scissors or sharp knife, place in jar.  Cover with the vodka (be sure to push beans down into the liquid).  Cap and shake for a minute.  Store in a cool, dark place.  Label and date the bottle.

Shake the extract once a day for the first week.  Liquid will gradually darken.  The darker the color, the stronger the extract will be.  After the first week, shake the bottle occasionally.  Best results after 3-4 weeks; some people wait 8 weeks for best results.

After extract has a nice amber color, it can be used or bottled as gifts.

**Optional: Finish with a little dark rum or a simple sugar syrup for a sweet aftertaste.