Homemade Vanilla Extract

We always look forward to receiving our Christmas package from Joel's brother and sister-in-law.  Harlan and Barbara surprise us with something they have made, usually food-related.  This Christmas, they treated us to a jar of their homemade vanilla extract, made with just two ingredients, vodka and Madagascar vanilla beans.  To be honest, I had never given any consideration to how vanilla extract is made, or the ingredients involved.  I looked at my bottle of Tone's "pure" vanilla extract, and it is only 35 percent alcohol, because water has also been added.  The process of making your own vanilla extract is not complicated, but it does take time, so plan ahead.  Here is a picture tutorial from The Thrifty Mama.