Never Ending Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract gets expensive if you bake a lot and, with the holidays approaching, there is always that annoying discovery of an empty extract bottle. Never fear, you can easily make a cheap and never-ending bottle of vanilla extract!

Ingredients

• 1 small glass bottle (empty white wine vinegar bottle or a empty olive oil bottle works good)
• 2-3 whole vanilla beans
• enough light rum or vodka to fill the bottle

Directions

Just score the vanilla beans lengthwise down the middle, put into the bottle and fill with alcohol of your choice and close. Let it sit for a few weeks for the flavor to absorb into the liquid, then just top off with more liquor when it gets to half empty. No waiting necessary after the initial set time.

Way cheaper since you will never have to buy vanilla extract again and I think it has a better flavor. This is a great gift for cooks and housewarming. I make these up in fancy bottles and add a pretty tag, sometimes all by itself or add to a basket with other cooking supplies.

By Ruby Cakes from Chattanooga, TN

Editor's Note: Periodically check to see if vanilla pods still have an aroma. If not, discard and replace with fresh vanilla pods.