Culinary Uses for Vanilla Pods
- Most vanilla beans come from Madagascar, Tahiti or Mexico.vanilla beans image by joanna wnuk from Fotolia.com
Vanilla pods, or beans, are the most commonly used flavoring agent in pastry kitchens, according to certified master pastry chef, Bo Friberg. However, vanilla's flavor also complements many savory dishes and works well in dry rubs--such as for pork chops--or to flavor a risotto. Select vanilla beans that are moist and plump; longer beans have a stronger vanilla flavor. Store vanilla pods in a closed container in a cool, dry place such as a pantry shelf, but never in a refrigerator or freezer. - The most common use for vanilla beans is to infuse alcohol with vanilla pods to make vanilla extract. While commercial vanilla extract is adequate for baking and pastries, nothing can substitute for homemade vanilla extract for its concentrated vanilla flavor and warm vanilla aroma.
To make your own extract, split three or four fresh vanilla pods lengthwise with a sharp paring knife, stopping 1/2 inch before the end of the bean. Place the split vanilla beans into a clean glass container (2- to 4-cup capacity) with a lid. Pour 1 pint of vodka over the beans; cover and steep in a cool, dark location for three months, shaking the container periodically. If you want a more concentrated vanilla extract, add two or three more long vanilla beans and steep longer, suggests From the Field Trading Company. - Used vanilla pods, even with the seeds removed from the center of the pod, should never be thrown away. The vanilla essence is present in the outer part of the pods and is excellent to infuse ingredients with a vanilla aroma. Use fresh, unused vanilla pods for infusions if you prefer, but it is not necessary.
Creating vanilla-flavored coffee or sugar is a perfect use for this culinary technique. Pour granulated or powdered sugar into a covered glass container, and push the used vanilla beans into the sugar. Over time, the sugar will absorb the vanilla flavors; use the vanilla sugar in recipes that call for regular sugar for tasty results. Add used vanilla pods to your stored whole-bean coffee, or grind some used pods with coffee beans for an added vanilla kick in your next cup of coffee. - A vanilla bean can cut the heat in chile dishes.selection of red and green peppers image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
The big surprise in cooking with vanilla is that vanilla's flavor complements other food flavors well and can improve the flavor of many foods, even in savory dishes. Savory dishes that use a mix of dried spices and herbs benefit from the warm, aromatic note that can only come from fresh vanilla. Vanilla bean enhances the sweetness in seafood such as crab or scallops, without adding a heavy vanilla flavorA vanilla bean added to spicy or acidic tomato or chile sauces will cut the acidity or heat by half, according to "Simply Vanilla: Recipes for Everyday Use."
