Pacific Northwest: Taste

Orange and Vanilla Cordial Makes about 1 quart I like to use this instead of vanilla extract in baking. And a shot of this cordial with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a splash of boiling water makes a killer hot toddy.

2 1/2 cups brandy 1/4 cup orange zest 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped 1 cup sugar 1 cup water In a wide-mouth jar with a close-fitting lid, combine brandy, orange zest and the vanilla beans. Keep covered for two weeks, then strain and stir in the sugar and water. Keep well-sealed in a cool dark place. Serve straight up in a snifter or use as a flavoring in cakes and cookies.