Homemade Vanilla Extract - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 vanilla bean, coarsely chopped
1 cup dark rum or 1 cup brandy

Preparation

Put vanilla bean in a clean jar and cover with rum or brandy.
Cap the jar and store in a cool and dark place for at least 6 weeks to let the flavor develop.
Once a week lightly shake jar.
Strain the vanilla extract through a cheesecloth lined strainer and into a sealed jar.
Give as a gift with a recipe that uses vanilla or a handbaked gift.
If giving at Christmas time I double or triple my recipe.