Vanilla bean use question...

[bercilakslady]

I just purchased a pound of vanilla beans for $20 plus shipping, and I'm planning to use it for making vanilla extract and sugar for gifts, as well as for my own cooking. My question comes from the prevalence of vanilla paste as a stronger flavored substitute for extract. Is it possible to make vanilla paste that will keep well? How would you do that? I expect that the keeping qualities of vanilla extract are due to the alcohol, so I'm not sure what the keeping qualities of vanilla beans ground to a paste with nothing added would be, or if that is a reasonable way to make vanilla paste.

Does anyone have any ideas or experience?

Comments

[zarhooie]

I know vanilla beans whole keep well for somewhat extended periods of time. I'd recommend that you keep the beans whole and grind into paste as needed.

On another note, can you please tag your entry?

[bercilakslady]

I'm sorry about the tag issue, I thought I'd put in the tag, and didn't know it hadn't shown up until you replied.

I was hoping that I could make the paste in advance, and have it ready for use, but if that doesn't seem like a possible thing, I'll just do it as needed.