Lemon Marmalade

1 – 1/4 pounds lemons
5 cups water
4 cups sugar
Zest of 6 lemons
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or) 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste

Peel the skin and pith from lemons. Remove membranes and seeds. Chop pulp coarsely. Put the lemon pulp and lemon zest into a large non-reactive pot. Add 5 cups water, 4 cups sugar; scrape seeds from vanilla bean, add to pot along with bean. Heat to a fast boil then reduce to low boil and stir periodically until mixture thickens about 30 – 45 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Transfer to jars; Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temp before serving.