Homemade Vanilla Extract

Using a knife or scissors, split the vanilla pods in half length-wise, leaving about 1/2 inch un-cut (this will hold the two halves together and make retrieval easier, if you ever need to fish the pods out of the bottle).

Place the pods into a full bottle of vodka or into a glass jar and pour in the vodka. Make sure the vanilla pods are completely submerged and cover the container tightly. Place in the back of your pantry and mark the date on your calendar.

12 weeks later… You have 750 mls of vanilla extract! As you use vanilla, top the bottle with additional vodka. As you use vanilla beans in other recipes, add the used pods to your home brew.