Two weeks ago, I discussed making vanilla *here.* There were many wonderful comments that day with lots of terrific ideas. One was the following...
Vanilla sugar! Mildred of Maple Lane mentioned it and then, when I couldn't find a link at her blog, she sent me *this one*. Yes, I am highly suggestible. Please mention nothing about jumping from a bridge.
So now I have a batch of vanilla sugar going; I'll let you know if it's worth the bean and the effort in two weeks. My batch of vanilla is looking fantastic, getting darker every day, so I know that it will be ready in time for Christmas baking, IF I do any Christmas baking.
Another thing, I froze the leftover vanilla beans. Not good. Not good at all. Neither freeze nor refrigerate vanilla beans. Keep them in sealed glass jar in a cool, dark place. Now I need another bottle of vodka to rescue my frozen beans.
I'm going to try making that someday.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried making vanilla, I don't think I saw your post. I'll head over there and then check out the vanilla sugar. Yum...sounds good!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
P.S. Thanks for the advice on not freezing the beans!
I have put it in my sugar and been wanting to make vanilla extract...this is fun and interesting...let us know
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Vee, I think you will love the taste of the vanilla sugar. I don't bake very often, but I sprinkled some vanilla sugar on slice-and-bake cookies and, wow, what a great taste!
ReplyDeleteJohn has been so sick with an allergic reaction to medication but I read about Sam and am prayerful that he improves daily.
Wishing you a nice day. Mildred
I really want to make vanilla sometime - you'll have to let us know how the vanilla sugar goes too!
ReplyDeleteI think these would make fantastic gifts!
Deanna
Sounds good! Our blog buddies and the internet has sure opened up a ton of info for us to use! Enjoy your day! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm still using the vanilla I made last year. With the vodka and all, it has a super long shelf life.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm... I don't think I want to know what the frozen vanilla beans look like. At least you will have lots of vanilla exract?
Good morning! Making vanilla "sounds" wonderful and I am sure it will be delicious, but I just don't do much baking anymore. There was a day I would have LOVED to have tried this. I will be interested to know how this new one turns out. Enjoy your day Vee!
ReplyDeleteI have to get some vodka today. Going to a liqueur store is a bit foreign turf for me so I will have to find one first. I want to teach our Merea girls this and my bottle has run dry. The last time I kept the old vanilla beans in and added one or two more. I should start fresh today. I probably told you this, but if I can find nice little bottles, I like to give portions away at christmas tied up with a ribbon and the recipe.
ReplyDeleteYour home must smell lovely!
ReplyDeleteI always gain weight during the holiday season, but it's such fun to try everything. See...I don't even feel guilty anymore!!
I agree. Your home must smell lovely! Purrrrfect. Even if you don't use it. The home aroma must be worth all the work. :-)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I can't see your post any more, when trying to compose my comment. ??? Not sure if you want it this way... Or if Blogger went and switched your Comment Settings...
Or the Pixel Pixies are at it again. -moan-
Hi Vee, we have something else in common...I make my own Vanilla. A very dear friend and her husband have an import business (he's Tahitian) and I buy Tahitian Vanilla Beans from her. They are the best beans in the world and I'm not just saying that because she's my friend! If you send me your address, I'll send you some to prove it, XOXO Susan
ReplyDeleteVanilla sugar - oh yes, it is quite nice for baking! I use the leftover vanilla beans (from making vanilla) for scenting my sugar.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your grandson enduring another leg break. I know all too well how painful and aggravating it can be! Poor little guy! I will keep him in my prayers. (Please remind him to wiggle those toes frequently to promote circulation!)
And YES, I am back from the CA wilderness. I'll be putting up a post shortly. Not firing on all cylinders right now, so it's slow going. Hope you read the NHA polar bear blog during my absence. The description about Sandra's group was a composite of 2 different groups, actually. We were the ones who got 2 bears to sniff our feet under the rover's metal grating and we also witnessed a LOT of bear sparring! Such fun. And tons of photos. One will get loaded up this afternoon with my post. More later on. Got to run!
You are a real inspiration Vee. I wonder if I'll be doing any Christmas baking this year...
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I love putting vanilla beans in bourbon. :-) Sometimes its best to just cut a small piece, wrap leftover in plastic and then put in the jar in your closet, and scrap out the beans. Vanilla extract is sooo expensive. Best to buy the big bottle at Costco or BJ's. xo
ReplyDeleteI have quite a large bottle of vanilla in my cupboard but I'm hoping to replace it with homemade vanilla. Guess I should get it started. Vanilla sugar sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteEven if you don't bake, vanilla is wonderful in a fruit salad, or a pot of hot chocolate. Yum!
I've bookmarked this idea of making vanilla - I can't wait to try it. First, I'll try to use up the vanilla I brought home from Mexico last winter first. Ha ha about doing any Christmas baking.....hope you get some done and I hope the same for me. Who knows!?
ReplyDeleteIt must smell heavenly at your home Vee. I have never had vanilla sugar. I am waiting to see if you think it was worth it. :-)
ReplyDeleteVanilla bath salts?
ReplyDeleteStill waiting here. Sweet peace in our midst.
I don't think I've ever had vanilla sugar.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the vanilla sugar. I made it once many years ago. I think I'd seen it on a cooking show. I only use sugar in baking and I honestly couldn't tell any difference in how things tasted.
ReplyDeleteI've not tried that, but am surely interested to hear how it turns out for you..I may just get adventurous!
ReplyDeleteI have never made my own vanilla but I have a friend who got some beans and is giving it a try. Good luck. I hope it turns out the way you hope! Enjoy the rest of your week!
ReplyDeleteHi Vee!
ReplyDeleteI love making vanilla - even though I have a hard time finding vanilla beans in my neck of the woods! I will be ordering them on-line from now on! I can't wait to make vanilla sugar, what a wonderful idea! I am already pondering ways to use it!!
Hugs,
Barb
Don't our lives change! (Yes, they do.) I laughed when I read your "if I do any Christmas baking. I used to do so much. And this year? I hope to do some Springerle, but am not sure I will get to that.......
ReplyDeleteI am pondering... Vanilla... Vodka... Straight or on the rocks??
ReplyDeleteSeriously, what a great idea, I may try this myself.
Vodka?? Another bottle of vodka? I am going to have to go back and see what I missed!!! I have put vanilla beans in my sugar canister for years - but never thought of making my own VANILLA!!! I am off to read more......
ReplyDeleteOn my first Frugal Christmas Gift post I had a link for vanilla, cardamon, & cinnamon sugar. I think vanilla sugar would be tasty in tea & cardamon would be great sprinkled on sugar cookies.
ReplyDeleteOK, I just literally laughed right out loud at this part:
ReplyDeletePlease mention nothing about jumping off a bride.
I'm clicking to see how you are making this vanilla sugar stuff!
I always keep a piece of vanilla bean in the bottom of my sugar bowl, Vee. Over time it gives the sugar a nice smell and a slight vanilla taste. I use this sugar only when we have tea.
ReplyDeleteI love spices! I think I have at least 50 jars of spices in my cupboars... more things I'll have to move...oy vey!
Hi Vee
ReplyDeleteI meant to ask you where you get your vanilla beans. This sounds like a fab Christmas gift!
Leann
See that post I referred back to for the answer about where I purchase my vanilla beans.
DeleteLike Debbie, I laughed out loud at your bridge comment, and then read it to Kati who also laughed! =D
ReplyDeleteI must try homemade vanilla! Vanilla sugar sounds wonderful too. Oh dear, as if we don't have enough sweet stuff going on at our house. And not just at Christmas time.
I was so glad to read an update on Sam, and to hear that he is at home. I loved the Old Maid story...you are a precious Nonni. I'll continue to pray for him.
Who knew it could be so simple to make one's own vanilla. As soon as I hunt down some beans...I'm going into business.
ReplyDeleteOrder them online...more of them...fresher...better price! I ordered mine from Amazon.
DeleteVanilla anything is always pretty good.
ReplyDeleteMerle.....
Well, you had me wondering there, for just a split second, when you said, "Now I need another bottle of Vodka".....
ReplyDeleteI have done this!! Its really good but the beans are so expensive!! I see you say to order on line, I will try that, shipping to Canada is really high though, you would think we live at the nOrth Pole!! ( well almost, h aha )
ReplyDeleteReady in time for Christmas baking "if I do Christmas baking"! Know just how you feel.
ReplyDeleteI keep meaning to begin making vanilla - your suggestion was well taken.
ReplyDeleteI have made vanilla sugar a few times, and lavender vanilla sugar - but because I do not sweeten my tea I ended up giving it away and not using it myself so I cannot really tell you much about the outcome.
Sorry about your freeze problem, awful to read that.
Take care- will let you know if and when I ever try making any myself!
Hugs.