Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:
2 vanilla beans
4 ounces excellent vodka

Preparing the extract:
Place beans in a small, clean jar (such as the one they were sold in); beans may be folded in half but not split. Cover with vodka, and tightly seal jar.

Allow to steep at least 2 weeks or up to several years. If infused for only 2 to 3 weeks, vanilla vodka can be used in cocktails (such as Vanilla-Mint Cordials). The longer it sits, the more concentrated the vanilla flavor becomes. To remove seeds for cooking use at any point, take beans out of jar, cut off one end, and pour out seeds; return empty pod to jar to continue steeping.

Makes 4 ounces or 24 teaspoons