Once you've scraped out the seeds of a vanilla bean for a recipe, set the pod aside. Do not throw it away - it is full of flavor and aroma that shouldn't go to waste. Find a bottle that has a tightly fitting lid or cork, and clean/sterilize it. Once clean and dry, place your vanilla bean pods inside, and cover with vodka or rum. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place, giving it a shake every few days or so. The extract should be ripe and ready to use in about two months.

Make the vanilla extract in large batches, using several vanilla bean pods and a whole bottle of rum/vodka. Preparing it this way can take a little longer, but it makes enough for you to divide and package the extract in several smaller bottles to use as unique gifts or favors for friends and family.