A long time ago, I came across a few recipes that called for vanilla beans (cheesecake and rice pudding were two big ones).  I couldn't figure out how to find them at the store, and when I finally did, I was amazed that it cost about $6 for one stinkin' bean.  I decided I would not use those recipes.

As I began looking into what exactly was so special about a vanilla bean, I really couldn't figure it out, but as I began looking into it, I thought I would like to get some, just a little cheaper...hence my grand plan.  I was able to find some cheap vanilla beans that were still a quality product if I bought them in bulk, so I did...about 200 beans.  I thought that I would then be able to use as many as I wanted, the price per bean was pretty good, and I would be able to tell people I knew how great the beans were and how cheap they were, and they would buy some off of me, thus making up for the extra cost of 200 beans.

Needless to say, that didn't quite work out, as I really am not a saleswoman, so I have all the vanilla beans I could ever need and more.  So, as a result of this big plan, I have learned various uses of vanilla beans, most useful...and cost effective...make your own vanilla extract. 

I don't know why I thought that vanilla extract was some super-human concoction, but it is only made of vanilla beans, vodka, and a tiny bit of corn syrup.  I paid $15 dollars for 8 oz. of vanilla at BJ's, when I can make a half gallon for less!

To make the extract, all you do is soak vanilla beans in a bottle of vodka w/ 2 T. of corn syrup, then shake it everyday.

How much, and how many beans?  I was told 10 beans for a half-gallon of vodka, but because I don't bother to shake it everyday, I don't think that worked out that well.  But, a perfect size is a 16 oz Snapple bottle, 1 T of corn syrup and 10 beans.  It makes it quicker and stronger.  Also, you can continue to produce vanilla extract as long as the vodka continues to get darker.  When you use about 1/3 of the bottle, you can cap it off again with vodka and keep reusing.

You can also then use the beans in other recipes.

Other things to do with the beans:

-Stick a few in your sugar for vanilla flavored sugar

-Grind any unused shells (I used one or two shells)and mix it in with your ground coffee beans for vanilla coffee--very good

-Make real vanilla bean ice cream

-Scrape pods into cheesecake

-cook in rice pudding and scrape pods inside

-much more...

If you are intrigued and want to try for yourself...I'm still trying to shrink my bean pile...75 cents a piece!