Vanilla Recipes

[millie-may]

Hi, I've just returned from a cruise to South Pacific. While on the Island of Tahaa I bought some vanilla beans and wonder if anyone has recipes for making vanilla essence or anything else from the beans.

[momofmeg]

I wish I did! Those beans would make some great popouri I would think!

 

I bought a bottle of vanilla in Jamaica last fall and I will say this-it is so much better then the imiatation vanilla-I love my cheeesecake I make with it! It has hooked me so well I now realize it is worth the few dollars extra for the real thing!

[jettaleea]

Take a pint of bourbon or whiskey. Lightly score 2 beans (or more if you want it stronger) lengthwise. Place in the alcohol and let soak a month or so. Use the liquid as your vanilla in recipes.

 

jettaleea

[millie-may]

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

[DLRomm]

I do it (make vanilla) using vodka but I suppose a few different spirit types can work. Just give it at least a month bfore you use it the first time

[cruzermon]

While I do very little dessert making, a few things I've read about vanilla. First, most people can't tell the difference between imitation vanilla and vanilla extract, but this varies by brand and vendor. Second, for some dishes, say vanilla bean ice cream or creme brulee, vanilla bean is far superior to any extract. So, why "devalue" your real beans by converting them to extract? Try making something that takes advantage of the attributes of the whole bean.

 

Of course, beans have a shelf life (I seem to recall around 6 months, but don't quote me on this), so it might make sense to preserve them.

 

But, I doubt you'll go wrong either way. Just wanted to give you something else to think about.

[Guienevere_Arianette]

One of my favorite things to do with vanilla beans is to scrape out the filling and put into a small tupperware of plain sugar. Throw the shell in there, as well. Mix thoroughly and voila; vanilla sugar. Perfect for coffee, cooking, whatever!