Category Archives: Fun Stuff

Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes

Dessert, Fun Stuff, Vanilla Bean Sugar Cubes March 6, 2013 Comments: 3

Package these little gems in a pretty jar and give alongside your vanilla bean extract

Sugar Bean Cubes

Sugar Bean Cubes

as a homemade gift. This recipe comes from Janet Johnston.

Ingredients

  • 4 Madagascar vanilla beans
  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure Madagascar vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

  1. Cut the 4 vanilla beans into 1/2-inch pieces and grind to a coarse powder in a coffee grinder or food processor.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the sugar, vanilla bean powder and extract until thoroughly combined (when the extract is completely incorporated the mixture will look a bit like dough).
  3. Pour the sugar mixture into an 8 by 8-inch pan and spread out evenly to a 1/2-inch thickness.
  4. Next, use a knife to score out 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch cubes by running the knife the length of the pan every 1/2-inch and the width of the pan every 1/2-inch.
  5. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the pan from oven and let cool. Once cooled, carefully flip the pan over onto a large cookie sheet to remove the sugar. Allow to cool completely, and then gently break into cubes along the scored lines.To “round” the edges of the cubes gently pour them into a big pot with a cover and lightly shake. Check and repeat if necessary. Pour the cubes from the pot into a small holed colander or sifter and sift off any sugar particles that can be reserved as granulated vanilla bean sugar!

Vanilla Extract – Homemade

Dessert, Fun Stuff, Homemade Vanilla Extract March 6, 2013 1 Comment

vanilla2Although its presence may now be considered commonplace within the kitchen, the history of the seemingly humble vanilla bean is as evocative as the taste it exudes.

The vanilla bean or vanilla pod as it is also known, has been traced back to the Pre-Columbian societies that occupied the geographical region now thought of as Mexico. The exact date these beans were discovered is impossible to determine, but it is known that civilizations such as the Aztecs and Totonacs regularly used them.

I have a collection of useful recipes using the vanilla bean. Find vanilla beans on the web, at health stores and in most supermarket stores in the baking isle. If making homemade vanilla as a gift allow 2 months for the entire process. It is worth the wait, and makes a wonderful gift in a pretty bottle.

Vanilla Extract

Ingredients

  • 2 whole vanilla beans
  • 1-1/2 cup vodka
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Directions

  1. In a 3-cup glass container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vanilla beans with the vodka. Cap and allow to sit at room temperature for 3 weeks.
  2. Remove the beans and strain liquid through a doubled layer of cheesecloth into a bowl
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat
  4. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved
  5. Remove from heat and cool
  6. Stir into vanilla mixture
  7. Pour mixture into a bottle; cap and allow to sit at room temperature for 1 month