Price Drop! Now $5.99 a bean

Make your own vanilla extract
2 Vanilla Beans or pods
Split the beans in half and put into a clean jar.
Pour 1/2 cup of vodka or brandy over the beans,
then close with the lid
Lightly invert the mixture every day for four to six weeks.
You can strain out your beans or keep them in there
You can also add more vodka after you have used about half of your extract
Store away from direct sunlight.

Vanilla beans can also be put in a cansiter with sugar and will create vanilla flavored sugar in about one week.

Madagascar produces 80% of the world's vanilla beans.
A good vanilla bean is dark in color and pliable, you can bend it without breaking it

The scent of vanilla is reported to calm angry feelings and emotions,maybe that is why vanilla candles are so popular