Ingredients
***FOR VANILLA EXTRACT***
2 vanilla beans -- cut in half lengthwise and chopped
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup water

***FOR LEMON EXTRACT***
one lemon -- diced (you should have at least 2 tablespoons), Zest of
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup water

***FOR ORANGE EXTRACT***
1/2 navel orange; cut into tiny chunks -- (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), Zest of
1/4 cup vodka
1/2 cup water

Combine ingredients for the extract of your choice in a half-pint canning jar.

Cover and set aside to steep for 3 days.

If giving as a gift, strain a portion (for aesthetics) and transfer it to a little apothecary bottle or other attractive glass container.
For vanilla extract, add a piece of vanilla bean.
For lemon or orange extract, add a spiral of peel.

Yields 3/4 cup of each extract.

Procedure
Combine ingredients for the extract of your choice in a half-pint canning jar.

Cover and set aside to steep for 3 days.

If giving as a gift, strain a portion (for aesthetics) and transfer it to a little apothecary bottle or other attractive glass container.
For vanilla extract, add a piece of vanilla bean.
For lemon or orange extract, add a spiral of peel.

Yields 3/4 cup of each extract.