Here’s a nice and easy recipe for making your own vanilla extract:

 

2 vanilla beans

1 bottle (750ml) vodka

 

Rub vanilla beans with the dull edge of a knife to evenly distribute the seeds, and then cut the beans in half lengthwise. Place in bottle of vodka. Seal the bottle, and set in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 months, shaking occasionally, until the flavor of the extract has mellowed. The clear vodka will turn a nice deep brown. When the extract is ready to be used, clean and sterilize several small bottle with screw-on lids, and fill with homemade extract.

 

The recipe comes from Martha Stewart, via the Food Network.