makes one quart 
Every homesteader needs a giant jar of homemade vanilla sitting in his or her cupboard. It only requires two ingredients, tastes a thousand times better than the imitation stuff, and is easy as pie to throw together. What’s not to love? Pour the finished vanilla into small jars, tie a ribbon and tag on it, and give it as a gift. You’ll be the coolest friend ever.
8 whole vanilla beans
4 cups vodka
Split the beans lengthwise and chop them into 3-inch pieces. Place the pieces into a quart-sized glass jar and fill it to the top with vodka.
Cover the jar and set aside to steep for at least 2 months or for up to 9 months. Remember, the longer it sits, the better it gets.
kitchen notes • A mid-grade vodka works well for this recipe and produces the most neutral-tasting extract. However you can also use bourbon, rum, or brandy for variety.
Homemade vanilla doesn’t really have an expiration date, since the alcohol acts as a preservative. I’ve kept jars in my pantry for years. This is also why you should most definitely make at least a quart at a time—it won’t go bad and you’ll end up using it more than you think.
I’ve lost count of how many recipes in this cookbook contain vanilla extract, but it’s an important player in the Apple Cinnamon Puff Pancake, Simple Berry Sauce, and Lemon Whey Pie, just to name a few.