Homemade Vanilla Extract

1. While it isn't always necessary, I recommend sterilizing your bottles or jars before using them. This can be done by boiling them in a stock-pot of water for 10 minutes, then carefully removing them to a clean towel to dry them completely.
2. Using the tip of a sharp knife slice bean gently lengthwise, stopping just before you get to the end.
3. Place desired number of sliced vanilla beans into the bottle of choice; snip your beans in half if the alcohol doesn't cover the entire bean or if they are too tall for the bottle. Your beans should always stay covered.
4. With a funnel placed on top of the bottle, slowly pour 750 ml vodka over the beans until they are covered and the bottle is full. Tip If your funnel isn't flowing, simply lift it slightly off the mouth of the bottle breaking the seal and allow it to flow easily. Place on lid and tighten, shake passionately for a minute.
5. Write date started on the bottom or side of the bottle, using chalk or metallic marker as well as type of vanilla. Put a reminder in your calendar to shake it weekly for at least 4 weeks, preferably up to 6-12 months.
6. Once your vanilla no longer smells of the spirit you used and smells instead like vanilla it is ready! Print free vanilla extract labels! Link below in notes.

How to replenish vanilla

1. Everytime you use a tablespoon or more of your vanilla top it off with the same liquor used the first time (i.e if it was originally made with vodka, use vodka). Give it several passionate shakes and you are ready to go for next time, plus you ensure your beans stay covered and moist. No waiting involved, but not the most convenient.
2. Wait until you've used about half of your vanilla, or until the beans are exposed, then top it off with same original liquor, but let it hang out again in a dark pantry for 2 weeks or longer before using. This works well if you have two bottles of vanilla, then you can alternate between the two, this is my preferred method.
3. For either method, be sure to occasionally (maybe once or twice a year) throw in a fresh vanilla bean. And always if you've used a bean in cooking or baking -- don't throw that bean away, toss it in your bottle of vanilla.
4. Every 1-2 years (based on use) replace all of your vanilla beans, following the above method.