How to Make Vanilla Sugar and How to Use It

Five Reasons Why Every Kitchen Should Have a Jar Handy

Sep 4, 2009

Vanilla sugar is simply sugar that has been infused with the scent of vanilla pods. Here are some tips as to how it is made and how it can be used in the kitchen.

The vanilla plant is actually an orchid and the pods contain its seeds. It has been used in different cultures as an aphrodisiac for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. It is said that the Aztec Emperor Montezuma drank chocolate containing vanilla seeds before visiting his wives.

Other studies that show vanilla’s strength as an aphrodisiac include an experiment in 1762 when the German physician Bezaar Zimmerman claimed that after consuming vanilla 362 men noted an increase in libido. The jury is out on this, but it features highly on Valentine’s Day menus and with it smelling and tasting so good it is a tasty and aromatic addition to recipes.

How to Make Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is very easy to make and requires nothing more than a clean, sterilised jar, some caster sugar and some used vanilla pods. Take the clean, dry jar and put in a vanilla pod or two. Break the twiggy pods in half to give out more flavour. Then, tip some caster sugar into the jar on top of the pods until the jar is full. Give it a shake and keep it in a cool dark and dry place, ensuring the lid is airtight.

The vanilla will start to infuse the sugar within hours but for the best flavour leave it a week before first using. As you use the sugar, top it up again with fresh sugar and give it a shake before putting away again. The sugar will keep indefinitely if stored correctly and the pods will need to be replaced annually.

Ways to use vanilla sugar

A teaspoon of vanilla sugar in a cup of coffee provides a comforting and warming sweetness. Its heady aroma works very well in warm milk or hot chocolate too, and makes a change from regular sugar. Along with your morning cup of coffee, vanilla sugar is also delicious when used to sweeten porridge.

Sugar infused with vanilla can be sprinkled onto warm fruits as they cook, or substituted for regular sugar when making crumble mixtures. A little extra sugar can be sprinkled on top of the crumble before baking to provide a slightly caramelised top to the crumble. When making up custard from its powder form, a little vanilla sugar can be used to give it that extra vanilla flavour and sweetness. It can also be used when making meringues for that beautiful sweet taste, or added to cream when whipping or when a recipe calls for sugar.

It can also be added when making sweet pastry for pies – in place of your usual sugar. It is amazing how a few discarded vanilla pods and some sugar can make such a difference to the taste.

Use in place of regular sugar when baking muffins or cakes for that musky scent and taste.

Home-made gifts are always warmly received and a jar of vanilla sugar is no exception. Include some recommendations on how to use it along with the gift, on a pretty gift tag or label.

Vanilla - Easy, Cheap and Versatile

There are many uses for vanilla sugar. Essentially, it can be used in place of regular sugar for hot drinks, desserts, making pastry and in baking. It can also be given as a gift. Cheap and easy to make, every kitchen deserves a jar of vanilla sugar in its cupboard. Once you use it you might wonder how you ever did without it.

The copyright of the article How to Make Vanilla Sugar and How to Use It in Gourmet Ingredients is owned by Jo Romero. Permission to republish How to Make Vanilla Sugar and How to Use It in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.