Almond Liqueur

1 pound almonds, shelled
2 cups vodka
1/2 vanilla bean
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon glycerin

Chop almonds coarsely by hand or in a food processor. Do not use a blender as it will pulverize them. You should now have about 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cups chopped almonds.

Combine almonds, vodka, and vanilla bean in a 1-quart jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the jar; shake to mix, and set aside in a cool, dark place for at least ten days.

Strain the liquor through a fine sieve into a glass measuring cup and discard the residue. Rinse the sieve and the 1-quart decorative jar thoroughly. Strain the flavored vodka into the jar.

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil for 2 minutes, until a clear syrup forms. Remove pan from heat and cool to room temperature.

When syrup is cool, add it to the 1-quart jar. Add vanilla extract and glycerin. Seal jar and shake gently to blend. Almond Liqueur will be ready to drink in 2 or 3 days.

It will keep on the shelf for 2 to 3 months.