LC's famous ginger cookies~and more soupy-chicken recipes~

[aileen]

I bake A LOT, so this is essential for me because the taste is top notch! There is no comparison to the crap they sell at the grocery store. Also, I buy my vanilla beans online...cheaper than store bought.

Here's what you'll need to make your own vanilla extract:

- A mason jar, or some other clean, super sealing container.
- A high-proof alcohol like vodka, bourbon or rum. We're talking 80 proof.
- Three vanilla beans per cup of alcohol
- A dark spot to store the jars.
- Two months. That's how long it takes to create vanilla extract!

Here's how:

Use a sharp paring knife to cut lengthwise down the center of the vanilla beans, leaving about an inch at the top of the vanilla bean uncut. Put the vanilla beans in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. I use mason jars. Cover the beans completely with alcohol. It's three vanilla beans per cup of alcohol, so if you use 2 cups of vodka split open six vanilla beans and throw them in the jar.

Tightly cover the jar and give it a good shake. Store in a cool dry place for two months. Give the bottle a good shake every week or so, just so you don't forget all about it. After two months have passed, your vanilla extract should be ready for your favorite recipe.