Hi Barb,

Hope you are staying warm and safe in Rochester. Here in Buffalo it is up to 14 degrees! I like this recipe for homemade Kahlua because it uses real coffee instead of instant, which has to be the worst taste of all. You can reduce the vanilla by a few Tablespoons if you prefer also, it still is great. Make sure you have cheesecloth on hand or a very fine strainer. I know it is extra effort, but it is worth it. Since vanilla is so expensive I make my own with a bottle of brandy and two vanilla beans, cut lengthwise with the seeds scraped out and chop up the rest of the beans. Then put all of it into the brandy and keep for at least a month, before you use it. Good Luck!

Coffee Flavored Liqueur

8 cups water
5 cups white sugar
1/2 cup vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh ground coffee beans
10 cups vodka

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, vanilla and ground coffee. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool, then strain through cheesecloth until all grounds are removed.

When cool, stir in vodka. Pour into a liquor bottle, and keep in a cool place.