Do not wash vanilla beans.

Slice open the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds and cut the pods in half.

Use 3 large beans for every 1 cup of alcohol.

Put the seeds, pods and corresponding amount of liquid in a large Mason jar and seal with a cap.

Shake the jar vigorously once a week for at least 12 weeks.

The longer you allow the mixture to "cure"... the stronger the vanilla flavor.

When you're ready to gift the vanilla extract, pour the mixture through a fine strainer to remove seeds and sediment.

Pour into gift jars and add handcrafted labeling of the contents

Strain the vanilla into small bottles and add a label to identify the homemade contents.

Gift to friends and loved ones.