Have you tried vanilla powder (ground beans + dextrose, I think)? You use it measure for measure over extract. It is also good sprinkled on coffee (cafe au lait) or cocoa. It holds up particularly well in baked goods.
Cook's Vanilla makes one: I purchased a 1.5lb jar from them not too long ago, but their website isn't working today. It is:
http://www.cooksvanilla.com/ You can also find it in a lot of grocery stores, in a 4 oz jar.