*VANILLA EXTRACT (COPYCAT)*

(with less additives, it's pure, taste better, and cheaper in the long run)

I made mine in November and shook it when I thought of it... it darken over time... a nice shade of dark brown and smells really nice. I left the vanilla beans in mine... and have start using it in my recipes, you can really smell the extract and the flavor is stronger then store bought. It's ...so easy to make and so worth it. :))

8 whole vanilla beans (I bought mine at Bulk Barn), sliced length-wise leaving about 1/2 INCH together on one end.
2 cups 70 proof or better (vodka, rum, brandy (I used vodka - vodka is most common but you can use dark liquor for added depth)
Sterilized mason jars
 
Combine ingredients into a glass jar, store out of light/heat and shake it about once a week or when you remember to.
Let sit for 3 months before use.
Will never spoil unless contaminated.
Will only get stronger with age.
May grow a white material, this is normal (unless smells foul) it is called vanillin. If added flavor is wanted, shake jar before use to get some of the vanilla beans/seeds.
Makes great gifts.
***If you do not want to keep bean pods in jar, you can remove them, dry them and mix with about 3 cups sugar and let sit for about a month for vanilla flavored sugar (great in coffee) can also do this with fresh vanilla beans as well.
***if you dont want any beans or pod, just the extract in your jar... strain with cheesecloth inside of a funnel... if you dont have cheesecloth, can use a coffee filter but it will take longer and do in small amounts