Vanilla Beans

[rigger7]

Finishing up brewing a Winter warmer and I wanted to throw some vanilla beans in during fermentation.
How should the vanilla be prepared? How long should I leave them in?

 

[sillbeer]

I used 3 beans cut up into 3 pieces each and let them soak for two weeks in secondary. I just sanitized my knife, cutting board and muslin bag. Mine was a Prairie Bomb and I also put in 2 Ancho chilies and a cup of whole espresso beans.

 

[triethylborane]

I cut the pod lengthwise and scrape out the innards. Chop the pod up then sanitize the scrapings and pod in vodka for 24 hours. Add to fermenter after primary fermentation is complete (I don't rack to 2nd). I generally go for anywhere from 7-14 days for the vanilla to impart flavor.