DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract

DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract (Essence)
Sweet, rich and bursting with the essence of the tropics, once you try making your own Vanilla Extract you'll never buy it in the store again!
 
Vanilla beans
jars or bottles
alcohol of choice (usually vodka, but may use bourbon or even rum)

Cut vanilla beans in half if bottle is short (so beans will fit).  Using the tip of a sharp knife, slice the side of the bean (lengthwise), but not all the way through (I like it when some of the seeds seep out into the liquid).

Drop the beans into a clean and dry bottle or jar.  (Use about 5 beans per 8 oz. of alcohol for a traditional single-fold vanilla extract. Add additional beans as desired for a stronger, richer extract.)  Pour alcohol over the beans to cover.  

Close the jar of bottle, and place in a cool, dry location for about 8 weeks.  Give the bottles a good shake every so often to distribute the liquid and beans.