Vanilla Cooking Tips
Vanilla is used not only in pastries, desserts, and baked goods, but is also excellent with seafoods. It is a popular ingredient of coffees, perfumes, cigars, and pipe tobaccos.Try adding a vanilla bean to a jar of sugar for a uniquely-flavored sweetener.
Whole vanilla beans that have been used in sauces or other liquids can be rinsed, thoroughly dried, and stored for reuse.
For a change of pace, add vanilla seeds to cottage cheese or flavored/plain yogurts and let stand overnight for an added boost of flavor.
Homemade Vanilla Extract
To make your own vanilla extract, chop 3 or 4 vanilla beans into small pieces, being careful to retain all the seeds and crystals. Put into a clean jar and cover with about a half cup of brandy liquor. Let steep for 1 to 6 months. Strain and use with or without the pieces as your recipe defines.The mixture keeps indefinitely, and you can continuously add to it. If you find the brandy flavor too strong and have more time, use one split bean steeped in 3/4 cup of vodka, letting it stand at least six months.
More About Vanilla and Vanilla Recipes
• Vanilla Selection and Storage• Vanilla Beans
• Pure Vanilla Extract, Imitation Vanilla, and Vanilla Flavoring Differences
• Homemade Vanilla Extract and Cooking Tips
• Beware Adulterated Mexican Vanilla
• Vanilla History
• Vanilla Recipes
Vanilla Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
