Vanilla Extract

1 litre of cheap vodka (there are no benefits at all in using an expensive brand)
25 Madagascar Vanilla Beans (Arizona Vanilla Company)

 

With a sharp knife, slit each vanilla bean down the middle.  Then cut the beans cross-wise in 1 to 2-inch pieces.  Combine the vanilla beans and any seeds with the vodka in the bottle that the vodka comes in or another container with a tight fitting lid.  Replace the cap.  Allow to soak at room temperature for four to six weeks, shaking occasionally.  The longer the beans soak in the vodka, the better the vanilla extract.  Note:  This extract will keep for several years.  Yield:  1 litre of vanilla extract.