2 c. vodka
5 vanilla beans, cut into 1 inch pieces

Combine vodka and vanilla beans in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Cover the jar and let it stand 6 to 8 weeks. The vodka mixture will turn amber colored after a day or two.

After half the vanilla extract is used, add more vodka to cover the beans. The flavor in the beans is gone when the vodka no longer turns to a dark color. Yield: 2 cups.