1 cup brandy, bourbon or Jack Daniels
6 whole vanilla beans, sliced down the center lengthwise

Combine brandy, bourbon or other favorite alcohol (even vodka) with vanilla beans in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Canning jars or wire bail fruit juice bottles with a rubber ring are especially well suited for this.

Close and allow to stand for 2-3 months, shaking 3 times a week.

When this is ready, you can choose to filter it through prewashed cheesecloth or and unbleached coffee filter or use as is.

Yield: about 1 1/4 cups.