Eight Things to Do with a Vanilla Bean
If there is one spice in the world which has been associated with luxury, then this must be a vanilla bean. Vanilla beans offer a depth, creamy richness, and complexity of flavor that no imitation-so much as vanilla extract-can match. From desserts and drinks down to even body care products, vanilla beans are impressively versatile. But how exactly do you use a vanilla bean? We have collated eight creative ways you may squeeze the best out of these fragrant pods. Let us dive in! 2. How to Prepare a Vanilla Bean Before we get into the various ways of using vanilla beans , one thing to know is how to prepare them. Here’s a quick guide: Slit the Bean Open: With a sharp knife, slice carefully down its length to open the bean. Scrape the Seeds: Holding the edge of the knife, scrape out all those tiny flavorful seeds, so called vanilla caviar. Use Both Seeds and Pod: The pod after being scraped is full of flavor and can be further simmered in liquids or used for infusions. Now th...