I Love Vanilla Beans!

Recently I had a few people inquire about vanilla beans. On a recent trip to the supermarket, I priced these aromatic beans. One supermarket had two different brands of the gorgeous beans.

One brand was $9.99 for one bean. ONE BEAN!

The other was $13.29 for two beans. INSANE!

So, where do I get my vanilla beans you ask?

Online!

I have used the Arizona Vanilla Company on E-bay twice now and have been very happy with excellent quality and prompt service. Not to mention the steal of a deal I got. I almost feel guilty.

Almost!

I received my order of beans today.
I got 49 certified organic, grade A Madagascar Vanilla beans with shipping!

I won two actions.

15 beans@$2.26
1/4lb (34 beans)@$1.04
Combined shipping@4.50
Total:$7.80

That's a steel!!!

What will I do with so many beans? I'm making vanilla extract!

It makes a great gift for friends.

VANILLA EXTRACT

10-12 Vanilla Beans (cut into large pieces
2 Cups Vodka (cheap stuff is fine
1/4 cup simple syrup (1/8 c. sugar, 1/4c. water)
(The simple sugar is just to take the edge off the alcohol
Combine the vanilla and vodka in a large container with a tight fitting lid. Let steep at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, shaking it about twice a week. The longer the beans hang out in the vodka, the happier the extract will be! Strain through several layers of cheesecloth and then add the syrup if you wish. The extract will keep for several years


For more recipes using vanilla beans:
French Vanilla Cake
Ricotta Pound Cake
Vanilla Bean Thins
Bostini Cream Pie

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