What should I make with all these vanilla beans?

[shpitzlefan]

I bought a package of vanilla beans on ebay- they smell heavenly, and after giving a bunch away and making vanilla sugar, I still have a lot left. I'd like to try a recipe that really showcases them. Any recommendations?

[malabargold]

If you have a bunch make extract. 15-20 split beans per fifth of booze; cheap vodka if you want plain vanilla flavor. Boucne around for about 2 months prior to use.
Some people really like vanilla-brined pork. I'm not a fan, but decide for yourself.

[NYchowcook]

Yes, definitely ice cream.
But also poached pears are lovely -- water, sugar, vanilla bean and strip of lemon zest.

[LauraB]

If you want a cake to use up vanilla and show it off - try this one (assuming that they copied the recipe correctly from Cooking for Mr. Latte - but I would guess so since two blogs posted it the same way). It is from the Hi-Rise Bakery in Cambridge, MA. I especially like the ends.
http://verbatim.blogs.com/verbatim/2008/02/death-by-vanill.html

I usually am a bit more restrained in my use of vanilla beans. My favorite use is these butter cookies (I use 1/2 a bean per recipe):
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recip...

[geg5150]

Send them to me! I just paid $12 for ONE organic vanilla bean. I never thought about buying them on ebay.

Definitely ice cream!

Or a vanilla cheese cake or even a pound cake!

Yum!

[Azizeh Barjesteh]

Geg, I just bought 10 very nice vanilla beans from Costco, for about $10 (maybe $12, but no more than that. Cant remember exactly.) They came in two glass test tube looking packages and say Rodelle on them. I don't remember seeing Madagascar or any other fancy descriptions on the package (that I've since thrown away) but I usually just make creme brulee with them, so I don't need anything amazing. I haven't used them yet, so I can't attest to the quality... but for about $1 each, why not?
I have no plans of making anything, but last time I bought 1 vanilla bean 1/2 the size for the same price. So, I saw them near the spices and thought it was such a good deal I couldn't pass them up.
Each beach is about 8 inches long.

[Azizeh Barjesteh]

Okay, found it. This is exactly what I bought at Costco for about $10.
http://cgi.ebay.com/RODELLE-New-Whole...

[geg5150]

Thanks so much!!

[kobetobiko]

Ice cream and creme brulee as suggested by other hounds are great ideas.

You can also make vanilla butter or cream cheese for your bread and bagels.

[gordeaux]

HOMEMADE ICE CREAM!!!!!!

Teriyaki("Polynesian" Style)!!!!

Flan.

Vanilla pudding

[HillJ]

Fresh vanilla enhances any homemade ice cream! How did that one slip my mind :)

[HillJ]

To your favorite plan yogurt add vanilla bean seeds and create a heavenly fresh version.
When I make vanilla sugar I add three broken pods to a lb. of raw sugar and use in all sorts of recipes calling for a sweetner.
Add vanilla bean to fruit juices and to juiced ice cubs for cocktails
Naturally any recipe calling for vanilla will be greatly enhanced by the REAL deal.
Enjoy!