I will Google when not On The Clock

[alexseanchai]

I have acquired an vanilla bean. This is the mutual fault of kaberett and Safeway's buy-2-get-1-free on select spices today. (I was only actually after cinnamon and rosemary.)

(1) How turn vanilla bean into vanilla sugar? P sure it involves sticking bean in mason jar full of sugar and waiting, but is there more prep, and how long is wait? ETA: a useful

(2) What else might vanilla bean be good for?

Comments

[alatefeline]

I have made freezer ice cream with vanilla beans and other spices.

Here is a recipe for dairy-free version...unfortunately it wants an ice-cream maker but I KNOW the freezer version is possible if you stir enough and use the double bowls...trying to remember...

http://thecoconutmama.com/coconut-milk-vanilla-bean-ice-cream/

Here is idea, but not enough detail on doing without ice cream maker...

http://minimalistbaker.com/vanilla-bean-coconut-ice-cream/

I SWEAR there are people who do it with pots and bowls and bags and a whisk and a stove and a freezer! Harrumph.

Or there is vanilla jasmine rice pudding...

https://17andbaking.com/2010/02/08/vanilla-bean-jasmine-rice-pudding/

Or mix it in quinoa and top with fresh fruit...

http://www.simplyhappenstance.com/berry-vanilla-quinoa-bowl/

Or here are a few wilder and stranger ideas:

Moss Gelatin (with vanilla)
https://www.bustle.com/articles/115462-16-weird-recipes-from-100-years-ago-that-we-totally-should-be-eating-today

Roasted Strawberry Frozen Yogurt (with vanilla)
or
Vanilla Madeleines ( but gluten :( ... )
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/09/vanilla-bean-recipes_n_6630170.html

Muesli
http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2012/01/toasted-vanilla-bean-muesli-/

Savory Vanilla Mayonnaise on Sunchoke Tater Tots
http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/09/hey-chef-savory-uses-for-vanilla.html

... I'm sure you'll figure out something.

[alexseanchai]

...I've MADE ice cream without fancy equipment. It was on a camping trip with extended paternal family, so, like, at least ten years ago?

...vanilla jasmine rice pudding? *intrigued*

Thanks!

[alatefeline]

<3

[vass]

If you slit it lengthwise then stick it in a bottle and cover it with a cup of vodka (making sure there's no vanilla bean sticking up above the waterline) and leave that in a dark, cool place for a couple of months, you get vanilla extract? Better if you have two or three of them for that.

Yeah, not the most economical way of obtaining vanilla extract or using a vanilla bean. (The vodka doesn't have to be good vodka, but shouldn't be the actual worst.) But if you have a cheapish source for them and have family or friends who would appreciate handmade presents, that's a low effort gift. Or having vanilla extract that you made yourself is a thing that would bring you glee. (It is for me.)

[alexseanchai]

Cooooooool :)