Learn to Prepare a Vanilla Bean Pod

Many recipes require vanilla extract and you could grab a bottle and use just that. However, if you want to intensify that vanilla taste why not use vanilla beans? The vanilla beans, which are commonly sold in stores and health food markets, come encased in pods. When substituting, use one pod for each teaspoon of vanilla extract. Here are the easy five steps to prepare and use the vanilla bean.

1. Look for Whole Vanilla Bean Pods
When shopping in your local supermarket or health food store, be sure to buy whole vanilla bean pods. They are usually labeled "vanilla bean" and are sold in jars in the spice section of your store. They may seem a little expensive; however, you will be using the whole vanilla bean pod.

2. Cutting the Vanilla Bean Pods
You will want to lay out the vanilla pod flat out on a cutting board, unfolding the pod if necessary. Taking the tip of a sharp knife, cut off the hard dried tip of the vanilla bean pod. Then taking that sharp knife, cut a slit down the entire length of the pod.

3. Revealing the Vanilla Bean Pods
After cutting the vanilla bean pods down the entire length, fold the edges back revealing the pasty vanilla beans. You will find that the vanilla beans are about the size of small grains of sand.

4. Scrapping the Vanilla Bean Pods
Taking the back or your knife or using a spoon, begin to scrap the entire length of the pod. By doing this you will be capturing the tasty beans in a small blob. Take that blob and add it to cake batter, pie crusts, or anything that requires vanilla in your baking. Make sure to mix it in well and that the vanilla beans are well distributed.

5. Using the Vanilla Bean Pod Husks
Many people toss out the vanilla bean pod husks and that is a waste. Chop up the pods into small one-inch pieces and add them to your container of granulated sugar. In a few days, your sugar will have vanilla flavored up for a different kick. You can also add those vanilla pod husks to plain vodka and let them sit for several weeks. Stir occasionally and you have your own vanilla extract.