How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract
 
Ingredients
  • 5-8 vanilla beans
  • 237 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces alcohol of choice (I recommend a mid-level vodka, rum, bourbon or brandy)
Instructions
  1. Slice vanilla beans open lengthwise (do not cut pod in half) so that inside beans will be exposed; you can cut them in half in the other direction if they are too tall to fit into your container
  2. Place vanilla beans in container of choice and pour in alcohol; make sure vanilla beans are completely submerged in the liquid
  3. Seal jar and give it a shake
  4. Store in a cool dark place for two months, checking on the jar every couple of weeks and giving it a shake at that point
  5. After two months, use vanilla extract as desired
Notes
You will need an 8-ounce (or larger) resealable glass or jar
Make vanilla extract two months (or more) in advance for best results
Recipe by Keep It Sweet Desserts at http://www.keepitsweetdesserts.com/how-to-make-homemade-vanilla-extract/