Homemade Vanilla Extract - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 whole vanilla beans
1-1/2 c. Vodka (the cheap-o stuff works just fine)
1/2 c. water
1 c. granulated sugar

Preparation

In a 3-cup glass container with a tight fitting lid, combine vanilla beans with the vodka.
Cap and allow to \"steep\" at room temperature for 3 weeks.
Remove vanilla beans and strain liquid through a cheesecloth, if necessary.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and cool.
Stir into vodka that has been strained.
Pour mixture into a bottle; cap and allow to sit at room temperature for one month.