It's easy to make a fresh-tasting version of this baking staple at a fraction of the price of the store brand.
Yields about 8 ounces
Remove about 1/2 ounce of vodka from the bottle (Optional -- add that 1/2 ounce to orange juice and drink). Cut a slit lengthwise down each vanilla bean. Cut the beans into 3/4-inch pieces. Add to vodka bottle and put the cap back on. Place the bottle in an obvious place (on top of the refrigerator, on the countertop, etc.). Shake the bottle vigorously at least once a day for 30 days. Strain the extract through a coffee filter. Rinse the bottle. Return the liquid to the bottle.