Anyone interested in a recipe for home-made vanilla extract? It makes a fun gift for Christmas, packaged in a small jar with ribbon around neck, included recipe for same, a bag of brownie or cookie mix which requires vanilla and a brownie pan. It Is alcohol-based. Perhaps someone has another recipe for one that does not require alcohol? Could this be one of those "chemistry" things again? I apologize for typing this in as I still haven't made friends with my software but folks who know how to doctor it to adapt to their recipe pgm. Will find it a tasty and Cheap, Cheap, Cheap Holiday idea. Better start it now, though! It takes about 7 weeks to "steep" it but you can fudge a little on that timing, I'm sure.

Vanilla Extract

In a 3 cup glass container with a tight fitting lid, combine vanilla beans with the vodka. Cap and allow to "steep" at room temperature for three weeks.

Remove vanilla beans and strain liquid through a cheesecloth, if necessary. In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. Stir into vodka that has been strained.

Pour mixture into a bottle; cap and allow to sit at room temperature one month. Yield:2 cups vanilla extract