Vanilla Extract - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 vanilla beans, divided
1 quart vodka
1 Cup granulated sugar
1/2 Cup water

Preparation

Cut each of 3 vanilla beans into 4 pieces; split each piece lengthwise. Place in a 1 1/2-quart bottle, then add vodka. Cover tightly and shake vigorously. Let stand in a cool, dry place 3 weeks, shaking bottle every 2 days. Line a funnel with a coffee filter; pour mixture through funnel into a bowl, discarding beans. Cook sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; cool completely. Add to vodka mixture. Cut remaining 3 vanilla beans into pieces. Fill small decorative bottles with 1 vanilla bean piece and extract; cover tightly, and let stand in a cool, dry place 1 month.