Vanilla Syrup

Vanilla Syrup

Whole Vanilla bean can be expensive, especially if from Madagascar (if it is even from Madagascar and not just packaged there once it is grown in another country). So ask yourself how much of this are you going to use before you spend $15 on a whole vanilla bean and make it yourself.  You can certainly buy a bottle cheaper, if in fact it is real vanilla.  Simply dissolve 4 ounces (half cup) of sugar in 4 ounces of hot water and stir until dissolved. Split a vanilla bean in half, scrape out the inner seeds, and put inside the syrup and allow to infuse several hours.  All beans are different, as are tastes, so taste and see if it is to your liking before straining it. It should have a blondish/brown look.  You can keep it in the fridge for up to a month, if you don’t use it before then, try it in your coffee or tea.