Split beans lengthwise, keeping a ½'' of the bean intact at the stem so you have something to hold onto. Scrape out insides with knife tip into a mason jar. Chop beans coarsely and add to jar. Pour vodka in jar. Cover tightly and write down date. Shake to mix then wrap in brown paper. Store in a cool, dark place. Shake daily for a week, checking that the tiny seeds remain submerged in the alcohol. After the first week, continue to shake the jar a couple of times a week. Extract will be ready in 8 weeks. The beans can be left in the extract for up to 5 months without deterioration. Strain them out or they will begin to dissolve after that.
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