Home made Vanilla Extract

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 three 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 one month. Yield: 2 cups vanilla extract