Cut vanilla beans across in half and then each half lengthwise. With blunt side of the knife blade, scrape the seeds. Deposit the seeds and cut vanilla beans to a sterilized 500 ml mason jar. Repeat the process with all the beans.
Add vodka to the jar and close the lid tightly. Make sure all the vanilla beans are fully submerged in alcohol. Leave in a dark and cool place for 12 months.
Carefully transfer vanilla extract to small dark glass bottles using a small sieve.
Close bottles tightly, label and store in a dark and cool place.
Vanilla Sugar
In a 500 ml jar with remaining vanilla beans after extract is drained, add the sugar. Close the jar tightly and store in dark place for 6-8 weeks.