Edible gifts: Homemade vanilla extract and sugar recipe

Vanilla sugar

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 glass jar with tightly fitting lid

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, add sugar and vanilla bean. Using your hands, rub sugar and vanilla together between fingers until sugar is speckled with vanilla bean seeds.
2. Transfer sugar and pod to a glass jar. Decorate for gift giving.

Vanilla extract

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 3 whole vanilla beans
• 2 cups vodka
• 1 glass bottle or jar with tightly fitting lid

Directions:

1. Split vanilla beans lengthwise.
2. Place vanilla beans inside glass bottle. Pour vodka into bottle and cover tightly.
3. Decorate bottle and attach directions: Store in a cool, dark place up to two months, shaking once per week.

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