Homemade Vanilla Extract

This was a fun project.  And so cheap to make.  All you need is:
--vodka (any kind - cheaper the better)
--5 whole vanilla beans
--glass container with tight lid (mason jar or whatever you have)

We found an old salad dressing cruet at a thrift store for $1.79. 

Homemade Vanilla Extract
--slice down the middle of vanilla beans
--put into jar
--cover with Vodka (this was about 16 oz)
--put lid on and place in pantry or other cabinet
--shake well once per week
note - if the vodka doesn't cover the beans in the jar or if the beans are too tall, then cut the beans in half

You will have pure Vanilla Extract in about 2 months!
And, a jar this size will last forever - unless you drink it (duh)

Have fun!

ALSO - you can do this with orange peels or lemon peels to get orange or lemon extract - just place the peels in the jar (fill about 2/3 up - and fill the rest with Vodka - i do recommend that you cut off as much of the pith as possible - and if you slice up the peels as thin as possible, it will work better)