Extract:
3 cups sugar
1 whole vanilla bean,
cut into 1-inch pieces
In a glass container with a tight fitting lid, combine the vanilla bean with sugar. Cover tightly and allow to sit 2 weeks without opening jar. Do not remove beans from jar. Store in airtight container.
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Sugar:
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 cup vodka
1/2 cup water
2 whole vanilla beans
In a 3-cup glass container with a tight fitting lid, combine the vanilla beans with the vodka. Cap and allow to sit at room temperature for 3 weeks.
Remove the beans and strain liquid through a doubled layer of cheesecloth into a bowl, if necessary.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool.
Stir in vanilla mixture. Pour into a bottle; cap and allow to sit at room temperature for one month.
