Making your own vanilla extract is easy, cheaper and a lot of fun. Best of all the vanilla bean is kept moist and ready for use.

Ready

• 1 Vanilla Bean
• ½ cup vodka

Set

• Jar with lid

Go

1. Pour vodka into jar
2. Add one vanilla bean
3. Let sit at least three days before using.

What you should know

This is my preferred way for storing vanilla beans. Not only do you get the benefit of cheap home made extract, but the beans are kept moist and ready for use. When I am done with the beans I return the skins to extract for added flavor.