1. Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh fruit or caramel sauce for topping
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, pour the heavy cream and add the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean. Place the whole bean in the cream too. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it's warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes.
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In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
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After steeping, remove the vanilla bean from the cream and gently reheat the cream. Add the granulated sugar and stir until it dissolves.
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Remove the gelatin mixture from the small bowl and microwave it for a few seconds until it's completely dissolved.
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Pour the gelatin into the warm vanilla-infused cream and mix well.
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Strain the mixture to remove any remaining solids from the vanilla bean.
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Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving glasses or ramekins.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
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Before serving, top the panna cotta with fresh fruit or caramel sauce.
2. Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for caramelizing
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place ramekins in a baking dish.
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In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and scraped seeds from the vanilla bean. Heat over medium heat until it's warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
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Remove the vanilla bean from the cream and reheat the cream slightly.
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Gradually whisk the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture.
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Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins.
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Place the baking dish with the ramekins in the oven and fill the dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
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Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
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Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly on top of each crème brûlée and caramelize using a kitchen torch until the sugar is golden and crispy.
3. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
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In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy.
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Add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
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Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the cream cheese mixture. Also, stir in the pure vanilla extract.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in the springform pan.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
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Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about an hour.
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Remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until fully chilled.
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Once the cheesecake is chilled, you can top it with fresh berries or a fruit compote, if desired.
4. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Mix-ins of your choice (chocolate chips, nuts, fruit, etc.)
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Add the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean and the whole bean itself. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it's warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and slightly thickened.
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Remove the vanilla bean from the cream mixture and reheat the mixture slightly.
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Gradually whisk the warm cream mixture into the egg yolks.
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Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
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Remove from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
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Strain the mixture to remove any remaining solids from the vanilla bean.
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Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or until it's thoroughly chilled.
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Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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In the last few minutes of churning, add your desired mix-ins.
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Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
5. Vanilla Bean Macarons Ingredients: For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean powder
For the Filling:
- Buttercream, jam, or ganache of your choice
Instructions: For the Macaron Shells:
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Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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In a food processor, combine the powdered sugar and almond flour. Pulse until well combined and fine in texture.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they are frothy. Gradually add the granulated