To make, chop 3 or 4 vanilla beans into small pieces. Do not lose any of the little black seeds. Drop the pieces into a clean jar and cover with 1/2 cup brandy and 1/2 cup water. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and keep in a dark place, shaking every other day. Vanilla Extract will be ready in about 2 weeks. Add a tiny bit more brandy if the beans still seem potent. The mixture can be added to indefinitely. Use just as you would store-bought vanilla extract. Store it anywhere, and it will keep for up to one year.