Maureen at Thrifty Homeschooler has just posted a recipe for canned vanilla pears. She notes to buy real vanilla extract, not the imitation stuff. Real vanilla is quite expensive, in my opinion. So, I use this recipe, which I got from a member of our Parish Council of Catholic Women.
1 bottle of good Vodka
2-3 whole vanilla beans
Place the vanilla beans in the Vodka and let steep. Ready to use when the Vodka smells like strong vanilla.