PREP: 10 minutes STAND: 1 month MAKES: 2½ cups

Vanilla Bean Liqueur

What You’ll Need

2 cups vodka

1 cup sugar

3 vanilla beans, split in half crosswise and lengthwise

Vanilla beans (optional)

How to Make It

1. In a sterilized quart screw-top jar, combine vodka, sugar, and the split vanilla beans. Cover tightly and shake jar until sugar dissolves.

2. Allow mixture to stand in a cool, dark place 1 month. Remove vanilla beans; discard.

3. If desired, transfer to decorative jars or bottles and add a vanilla bean for garnish. Seal jar(s). Store at room temperature.

PER 2 TBSP. LIQUEUR: 92 cal., 0 g fat, 0 mg chol., 0 mg sodium, 10 g carb., 0 g fiber, 0 g pro.

To split the vanilla bean, run the tip of a paring knife down the center of the pod.