could it be used to make your own vanilla extract? or do you need the seeds for that? - make at home vanilla extract = vanilla beans and vodka, let sit for a while (days, maybe weeks), and then it's done.

Cream soda syrup is why I have vanilla beans on my shopping list. It's all I've been able to think about ever since I saw the post about making it...

Homemade vanilla extract is so much better (and cheaper) than store bought! And you can make a never-ending jar of it.

http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_vanilla_extract/

ah, so the vanilla takes months to fully develop. Still a great idea. It would be a good experiment to try it with just the pods to see if you get that full vanilla flavor despite the lack of seeds. Could be a great use for what may other vise be wasted.

Vanilla sugar as the editor recommended. Add to a DIY vanilla pudding mix. Use with another pod in creme anglaise or creme brulee (add to simmering milk/creme and let steep before removing). Use with roasted pears. Make extract if you have enough beans for a batch (yes, it takes around 3-6 months).

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/12/vanilla-roasted-pears/

http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/2011/02/diy-vanilla-instant-pudding-mix.html

http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/10/lavender-vanilla-sugar/

http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/06/how-to-make-vanilla-extract/comment-page-1/#comment-29191

I just switched from sugar to truvia....I might throw a vanilla bean in there to see if I can improve the flavor. I have a jar of extract and a jar of sugar+vanilla beans. delicious!

How about wrapped in some cheesecloth and placed at the back of a drawer. Vanilla smelling clothes!

Home made vanilla "extract" takes AT LEAST eight weeks to "brew", but better to err on the side of a longer time frame. I throw mine into my sugar canister; one can never have enough vanilla in ones life!

http://slightlyirritatingandinconvenient.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-vanilla.html

I make vanilla sugar (I have canisters of various flavored sugars on my counter, vanilla, cinnamon, various citrus peel flavors) and homemade vanilla extract, add a whole or spent pod when you're canning a jar of fruit - it's great with peaches, a spent pod is still fine for use to help flavor a hot drink (especially during the holidays), buried in salt to make a vanilla flavored salt (great on duck or halibut), added to a bottle of homemade liqueur.

Tip: make sure the pod is dry before putting it into sugar or salt - and - if you've used it in something wet, like a custard, rinse and air dry it before reuse.

Do you have the link for how to make cream soda syrup? That sounds divine!

Vanilla Extract does take about 8 weeks - but, if store the extract in the freezer you can accomplish the same results in about half the time. It's worth the wait!

Plus, once the initial wait is over, you can keep adding a little bit of vodka to the jar any time you have an extra bean to replenish the supply.

homemade coffee vanilla bean liquor of course!
http://exclusivegenerator.blogspot.com/2011/01/homemade-coffee-vanilla-bean-liquor35.html
warning:this is crack.

anyone know where to get vanilla beans over the internet? All I can find here is a spice jar with one bean in it for $6! To me that's outrageous! I know I can get them wholesale, but I would like a trusted or recommended source.

Throw them in with poached fruit or lemonade. Vanilla sugar is a great idea. You can also add them to pastry cream. You might need more to bring about a noticeable flavor difference, but maybe you can store it in some sugar, get a collection going then add them to a pastry cream.

You can buy nice vanilla beans on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ET4SM8

If you follow the link to the homemade vanilla pudding recipe that was on thekitchn couple of days ago, the blogger has a rec for wholesaler on the net ad the price seemed pretty reasonable to me.

thank you! I have been wanting to make extract and have it ready for holiday baking and to give as gifts!

Vanilla beans, cheap even w/ shipping
http://topvanilla.com/

I live in Utah and we can get beans at costco - 10 beans for around $12.
I freeze my scraped pods and when I make pastry cream or whipped cream I soak the pods in the heavy cream overnight.

the cream soda syrup was a post from last week, I think. It was a youtube clip of part of a Martha Stewart show.

meplus3--have you been swindled by Truvia? It's artificial sweetener, you know, just like aspartame or acsulfame. With a wee bit of stevia thrown in so they can make it the snake oil "natural". EVIL.

Thank you thank you everyone! I think I will end up making my own vanilla extract, I kind of like how long it seems to take and looks beautiful!

You can get vanilla beans from Saffron.com for cheap. They are good quality beans, too.

Also, try making vanilla extract with rum instead of vodka. It's great!