Not Your Momma's Vanilla Extract

Prepare the Vanilla Beans: Using a sharp paring knife or kitchen shears, carefully split each vanilla bean lengthwise, leaving approximately 1 inch intact at both ends. This exposes the flavorful seeds within. (5 minutes)

Infuse in Vodka: Nestle the split vanilla beans into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Pour the vodka over the beans, ensuring they are fully submerged. The alcohol acts as a solvent, drawing out the vanilla's rich compounds. (2 minutes)

Seal and Agitate: Secure the lid tightly onto the jar. Give it a good shake to initiate the infusion process. (1 minute)

Steep and Mature: Store the jar in a cool, dark, and stable environment, away from direct sunlight and heat. Shake the jar gently once or twice a week to encourage extraction. Allow the mixture to steep for a minimum of 2 months, or preferably longer for an even more intense vanilla flavor. (2 months+)

Strain (Optional): After the steeping period, you can strain the extract through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove any sediment, although this is not strictly necessary. (5 minutes)