Make Homemade Peppermint Extract for Holiday Baking

I wrote an article on the history of Candy canes a few years ago. These sweet candies were first made as a bribe to keep children quiet during long, holiday church services. Actually, I've always loved the smell of peppermint. It's bracing, but also fresh and clean -- so I must be a kid at heart. Everywhere I've lived as an adult, I've cleared areas under my downspouts for mint varieties --