If you're ever in the market for a gift for a foodie, this is a sure hit. For just about $4 and some patience, you can make homemade real vanilla extract.
YOU WILL NEED:
1 small bottle with cork or stopper
vodka
1 vanilla bean (only $2 at Whole Foods bulk spices dept.)
Just put the vodka in the bottle.
Add the bean and let it sit.
The longer that it sits, the stronger that it gets (by three weeks it should be ready for baking, although not super strong). You can also do this with a larger volume of vodka to make your own vanilla vodka- makes amazing martinis!
Happy Gifting!