vanilla sky

It never occurred to me that I could make my own vanilla extract. I filed it away as something I buy, but certainly never make. Its too mysterious for me. I've always regarded the vanilla bean as a new level of seriousness in the kitchen. Serious bakers use vanilla beans!

Of course, all of these notions came crashing down when I realized just how easy they are to use and vanilla extract is simply...are you ready for this? Just vanilla beans and vodka (or bourbon.) And so I've become a girl on a mission to obtain vanilla beans in the masses and start putting vanilla beans in everything. This mission was temporarily cut short when I realized that at most stores two vanilla beans cost about ten dollars. After a few internet searches I quickly realized that I wasn't the only one looking for vanilla beans at a good price. Thanks to a little sourcing I am now the proud owner of ten 7' organic Tahitian vanilla beans and they smell delicious.

The vanilla extract recipe that I used is very simple: 1 cup vodka (probably should use top shelf) and 2 vanilla beans. Place them in a jar and tuck them away in your pantry for about a month and a half, giving them a shake every week or so.