How to Make Your Own Vanilla

Vanilla extract.  It costs a fortune if you buy it in a store and those little bottles have a way of running out rather quickly.  Good news!  You can easily make your own vanilla extract.  Why would you want to do this?

1. It tastes better.
2. You can make it at a fraction of the cost of buying it.
3. You never run out.
4. You will amaze your friends with your cleverness.

To make your own vanilla, you will need a clean glass jar, good quality vodka, and 2 vanilla beans. 

Take a sharp paring knife (of course I know your knives are sharp!) and cut a slit down the entire length of each bean exposing the vanilla seeds.  Put the vanilla beans in the glass jar.  Pour in about a cup of vodka.  (If you have leftover vodka, you know what to do with it.)  Cover the jar and give it a little shake every few days or so.  It's fun to watch the color change.

When the vanilla gets a little low, just add more vodka and shake it again.  Every 6-8 months, I replace the vanilla beans with fresh ones.  You'll never run out again because you just keep feeding your vanilla.