I’m making my own vanilla extract! Based on these instructions and using vanilla beans from this store. In my one quart jar I put in six vanilla beans split in half (I used three Bourbon/Madagascar beans and three Tahitian), 4 ounces of vanilla extract and then filled the jar with Bacardi White Rum. 6 to 8 weeks from now, I’ll have vanilla! Just in time for my Christmas baking.

Also, here’s a snapshot of the life of this cat owner. She sniffs everything. At least once. The vanilla jar? She sniffed it twice.