Homemade Vanilla Extract

Making your own vanilla extract is super easy!
You can order some prepackaged bottles with vanilla beans online. I found some here:
http://www.chinaberry.com/prod.cfm/pgc/12100/sbc/12105/inv/11859

All you need is a glass bottle, vanilla beans and some alcohol.
First, split the vanilla beans down the middle with a sharp knife and place in the clean glass bottle. Next, fill with alcohol of your choice. For a lighter extract, use vodka; for a heavier extract use brandy.
Seal tightly and store in cupboard. It is important to keep out of light. Lightly shake bottle from time to time. The extract will be ready in about 4wks. The darker it gets, the stronger it will be. I started using my vanilla made with vodka after 3wks and it was fine.
Each time you use the extract, refill the bottle with your alcohol of choice so that the beans are always covered. It will last for years!! This is also a great gift idea!