Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8-10 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp corn syrup
Instructions:
Using a sharp knife, slice the vanilla beans lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and place them in a food processor or high-powered blender.
Add the vanilla pods to the food processor as well. Pulse several times until the beans are finely chopped.
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and pour the hot sugar syrup into the food processor with the vanilla bean mixture. Pulse to fully blend the ingredients together into a smooth paste.
Then get a jug and a fine sieve and sieve over the mixture in order to get any lumps that may have remained; with the spatula, pass it through the sieve.
Transfer the vanilla paste to a glass jar and allow to cool completely.
Use the homemade vanilla paste in place of vanilla extract in recipes, adding a spoonful at a time to impart deep vanilla flavor. The vanilla beans will add lovely specks and texture.
