millie-may Posted April 5, 2007 #1 Share Posted April 5, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momofmeg Posted April 5, 2007 #2 Share Posted April 5, 2007 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jettaleea Posted April 5, 2007 #3 Share Posted April 5, 2007 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millie-may Posted April 5, 2007 Author #4 Share Posted April 5, 2007 Thanks, I'll give it a go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLRomm Posted April 5, 2007 #5 Share Posted April 5, 2007 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzermon Posted April 5, 2007 #6 Share Posted April 5, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guienevere_Arianette Posted April 6, 2007 #7 Share Posted April 6, 2007 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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