How to Make Vanilla Sugar

Two methods for making vanilla sugar. Plus several other ways to use vanilla beans.

Method 1 (delicate aroma)

1. Fill an airtight container with sugar and add vanilla pods, split lengthwise. The number depends on the container size, but the more the better.
2. Keep it sealed for 2-3 weeks, then it's ready to use.
3. Top up the sugar as you use it and shake well.

Method 2 (quick version, more intense aroma)

1. Blend pieces of vanilla beans with sugar in a coffee grinder. You can use it immediately.

What else you can do with vanilla beans after using the seeds for various desserts:

1. Flavor coffee by adding the vanilla pods to your container of ground coffee, or grinding the coffee with pieces of vanilla.
2. Flavor various teas by adding the vanilla pods to tea containers (e.g., white tea, green tea, ginger, forest fruits, rooibos).