Homemade Vanilla Sugar

 Making your own vanilla sugar is incredibly easy and far more economical than buying it from the store. It’s perfect for baking, stirring into coffee, or sprinkling over fresh fruit. The flavor will continue to deepen the longer it sits.

Yields: Approximately 2 cups
Prep time: 10 minutes
Infusion time: Minimum 2 weeks

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 2 Madagascar vanilla beans (Grade A)

Equipment

• Sealable storage jar (a 16-oz or 500ml mason jar works perfectly)

• Small bowl

• Sharp paring knife or kitchen scissors

• Spoon or small whisk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jar: Wash a sealable jar (like a mason jar) thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse well, then dry completely. This step ensures your sugar stays fresh and free from any contaminants.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Beans:

   • Place a vanilla bean on a cutting board. Hold it flat with your fingers.

   • Using a sharp paring knife, slice the bean lengthwise from top to bottom, like you're opening a book.

   • Open the slit pod. With the dull side of your knife or a small spoon, scrape along the inside to remove the sticky, tiny black seeds (vanilla caviar).

   • Repeat with the second bean. Reserve the empty pods.

3. Combine: Pour the 2 cups of sugar into a medium-sized bowl. Add the vanilla seeds you just scraped.

4. Mix: Using a spoon or a small whisk, stir the sugar thoroughly. Break up any clumps of seeds and ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

5. Fill the Jar: Carefully pour the seeded sugar into your prepared jar.

6. Add the Pods: Take the reserved empty vanilla pods. If they are taller than your jar, cut them in half so they fit. Bury the pods completely in the sugar.

7. Infuse: Seal the jar tightly. Give it a gentle shake to help everything settle. Store it in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for at least two weeks before using. This resting period allows the flavor to infuse.

8. Use & Maintain: Your vanilla sugar is now ready to use. As you use the sugar, you can top up the jar with fresh granulated sugar. The original vanilla pods will continue to flavor the new sugar for many months. For a continuous supply, simply add more sugar as needed and give the jar a shake every so often. The sugar will keep indefinitely as long as it is stored in a sealed container.