This is THE recipe I use when I make vanilla extract for gifts. Start now and it’ll be nice and strong in time for the holidays!

Vanilla Extract

2 whole vanilla beans
1 1/2 c vodka
1/2 c water
1 c sugar

In a quart GLASS container combine the vanilla and the vodka. (or you can just stick the vanilla beans in the container of vodka you just bought.) Set this container in the back of the pantry for a minimum of three weeks.

After three or more weeks. Remove the beans and strain the vodka of any brown bits from the vanilla beans (not required but makes a prettier presentation).

In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and boil. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cool. Stir into the vodka mixture. Pour into the big container again and let set in the back of the pantry for a month.

After a month, you can rebottle into smaller containers for gift giving, or keep for yourself. It just gets stronger with age!

Don’t toss the vanilla beans. Stick them in a package of powdered sugar - the result? Vanilla sugar!