Tag Page VanillaBean

Vanilla Bean Basics: Ultimate Flavor Upgrade

Pick up a high-quality vanilla bean—Mexican, Tahitian, or Madagascar Bourbon are all fantastic. They should look shiny and a little oily. To use the seeds, lay the pod flat and split it lengthwise with a sharp knife. Don’t cut all the way through—just enough to open it up. Scrape out the tiny seeds using the back of your knife or a small spoon. Add them straight into your cake or cookie batter when you cream the butter for the best flavor. Want to stretch your vanilla? Rub the seeds into sugar for vanilla-infused sugar, or toss the pod into a jar of sugar or milk for even more flavor. Store leftover beans wrapped in foil in a cool, dark place. Skip the fridge—they’ll dry out too fast. Use within a couple weeks for the freshest taste. #VanillaBean #BakingTips #FlavorUpgrade #Food #Cooking