1/2 c Brandy
3 Or 4 Vanilla beans
Chop vanilla beans into small pieces, being careful not to lose any of the bean or the little black seeds. Drop the pieces inot a clean jar and cover with the brandy. cover with a tight-fitting lid and keep in a dark place, shaking every 3 days or so. Extract will be ready in 2 weeks. A touch more brandy can be added if the beans still seem potent. Mixture can be added to indefinately. TO USE: Use just as you would regular vanilla extract, but taste to make sure the brandy flavor isnot too strong. Source: Cheaper and Better Alternatives To Store Bought Goods by Nancy Birnes