Q: I have a bunch of fresh vanilla beans I'm itching to use up. (Painful problem to have, I know.) I'm having a few friends over and would love a recipe for a fairly easy, portable (i.e. non-cake), vanilla-laced dessert.
Sent by Katie
Editor: Katie, personally I feel like custards and puddings show off vanilla in the best way. Try this stirred egg custard or a crème brûlée. These are easy to transport, too; just serve them in mason jars with lids.
Readers, what else would you recommend?
Related: What's the Difference? Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Paste
(Image: Nealey Dozier)
Red-and-Pink-Stripe...

Panna Cotta?
Ice cream.
burnt caramel pudding!
rice pudding? ice cream? vanilla shortbreads?
creme brulee!! definitely, you can make them ahead and scorch them just before you are ready to serve
This is a bit labor intensive (and perhaps not quite what you're afteR) but I usually double the vanilla and good heavens...delicious. Very portable as well.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/dining/091mrex.html
I agree with CHRISTIREI...creme brulee for sure. I like to put the scraped beans in the sauce while it's cooking as well, to get that extra vanilla flavor in there. Delicious, easy and portable!
I love smitten kitchen's roasted pears in vanilla bean. It is exceptional.
Ooohh @joydreamz, I LOVE that idea!! Thank you!
Apple, pear and vanilla compote
Smitten Kitchen's vanilla bean pudding is one of my favorites.
http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/01/vanilla-bean-pudding/
Roasted peaches with vanilla sauce:).
These Orange-Vanilla Meringue Swirls only use half a vanilla bean, but they are totally worth it. http://madebymike.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/orange-vanilla-meringue-swirls/