Laurel's Italian Liqueur "Latte di Suocera"

Generations of Italian men and women have tried to figure out ways to calm La Suocera, or mother-in-law. One of the best and most delicious is named "Mother-in-Law's Milk" or Latte di Suocera - a boozy, yummy liqueur.

1 1/8 pounds (500 g, or 2 1/8 cups) sugar
1 pint (500 ml) whole milk
1 pint (500 ml) grain alcohol
The grated zest of an organically grown lemon (important as you are leaving it in the booze and getting all of the flavor out of it as well as any chemicals that may have been sprayed on it)
1/2 a vanilla bean, split lengthwise

Combine all the ingredients in a wide-mouthed jar, screw the lid on tightly, give them a good shake, and put the jar in the refrigerator. Shake it once a day for 8 days, taste it - decide if it is done or not (personal preference on how lemony and vanilla-ey you like it) and then filter it and bottle it. Use cheese cloth, a coffee filter or even a chinois. Stopper the bottle, put it in a cool dark place (back in the refrigerator,) and let it rest for a month before you break it out. It will be a nice after dinner drink.

I found this recipe on the about.com website and have made it in restaurants that I was working in as an after dinner cordial. I have one chef friend who insists that I make it for him should he ever get his own restaurant!