KATHY AND SONNET'S VANILLA

In a 3 c. glass container, with tight fitting lid, combine beans with vodka. Cap and allow to sit at room temp three WEEKS. Remove beans and strain liquid through doubled layer of cheesecloth if necessary. In med pan, combine water and sugar and heat over med heat. Bring to boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. Stir into vanilla mixture. Pour mixture into a glass jar or bottle; cap and allow to sit at room temp 1 MONTH. Yield: 2 c. extract
If you want to make the whole bottle of vodka into vanilla, you can put appropriate amount of beans into the bottle and re-cap.

Contributed by Kathy and Sonnet.

LINNAE'S WHITE WINE SANGRIA

Combine wine, sugar and cognac in serving pitcher; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add fruit slices, cinnamon stick and strawberries, marinate at room temperature 1 to 2 hours. Just before serving stir in ice cubes
and club soda. To serve: Fill tall glasses with ice cubes, pour sangria over ice. 6 (1 cup) servings.

Contributed by Linnae