Make your own vanilla extract and vanilla sugar
Don't worry if your vanilla beans develop a thin coating of whitish "fur;" this is simply some of the sugar in the bean crystallizing, and it won't hurt the bean, or you. In fact, it's a sign that the bean is good and fresh.
Ingredients
- Vanilla Extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 3/4 cup 100 proof vodka
- 1 cup glass container with a tight lid
Preparation
Step 1
Place the vanilla bean in the jar and pour the vodka over it. You may cut the bean into pieces if the bean is not immersed in the liquid. Cover with a tight lid and let sit undisturbed for one month. When the extract has taken on a golden color, and vanilla aroma, you can remove the beans (save them for vanilla sugar), and strain the vanilla extract.
Vanilla Sugar You can bury a fresh vanilla bean in your sugar canister or, you can save the beans that have been used for extracts, puddings, and custards. To recycle vanilla beans, rinse them off and let them dry at room temperature. Grind the dried beans in a coffee grinder or food processor. Stir the ground vanilla into 1-2 cups granulated or confectioner's sugar. Sift the sugar to remove the vanilla grounds. Save the vanilla grounds!
You can add the vanilla grounds to your coffee in the morning. Place a tablespoon or more of the grounds on top of the coffee in your filter. Stir to mix. As the hot water drips through the filter, your coffee will be infused with a delicious vanilla scent.