The Irresistible Vanilla Sugar: A Sweet Gift That Wins Hearts and Taste Buds
A couple of months ago, I gifted my friend and her husband a jar of homemade vanilla sugar to celebrate their new home. Little did I know that this sweet token would turn into a staple in their daily routine. The very next morning, I received an amusing text from my friend: after tasting the vanilla sugar in his morning coffee, her husband declared that our friendship was contingent upon my continued supply of this delicious sugar! 😂
Fast forward to this week, and my friend’s in-laws are visiting. They’ve been enjoying the vanilla sugar in their coffee every morning and are now so hooked that they’ve asked my friend if they could purchase some before they leave. Fortunately, I have a surplus of vanilla sugar, so I’ll be more than happy to send them off with a parting gift that’s sure to sweeten their memories of the visit.
Sharing this little bit of vanilla happiness has been such a joy for me, and I hope it brings as much pleasure to their mornings as it does to mine.
How to Make Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla sugar is incredibly easy to make, and it adds a delightful touch to your coffee, tea, baked goods, and more. Here’s how I made mine:
Ingredients:
Granulated sugar: 2 cups
Vanilla beans: 2-3 whole pods (previously used for making vanilla paste, if possible)
Instructions:
Prepare the Vanilla Beans: If you’ve used the vanilla beans to make paste (a recipe can be found in the files), dry the leftover beans thoroughly.
Infuse the Sugar: Place the dried vanilla beans into a jar filled with granulated sugar. Seal the jar and let it sit for about a week. This allows the vanilla flavor to permeate the sugar.
Enhance the Flavor: After a week, if you feel the vanilla flavor isn’t strong enough, grind the whole pods using a coffee grinder. Mix the ground vanilla beans back into the sugar.
Store and Enjoy: Keep the jar sealed and use the vanilla sugar as needed. It can be added to coffee, tea, or used in baking to add a rich, sweet vanilla flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Vanilla Sugar:
Quality Beans: Using high-quality vanilla beans will result in a more intense and aromatic vanilla sugar.
Patience is Key: Allowing the beans to infuse the sugar for at least a week helps develop a deeper flavor.
Versatility: Don’t limit yourself to just coffee! Try sprinkling vanilla sugar on fresh fruit, oatmeal, or use it in your favorite baking recipes.
Whether as a thoughtful gift or a delightful addition to your own pantry, vanilla sugar is a simple yet luxurious treat that can elevate the everyday. Enjoy sharing a little bit of vanilla happiness with those around you! ❤️