Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Straight From Heaven

Few things on earth make me audibly sigh...
...a hot bath
...a foot massage
...great sex (sighing comes after the screaming)
...and the smell of vanilla - real vanilla beans
Just the smell of it makes me immediately think of the gorgeous orchid flower from which the bounty comes and then the food - the food that can be created with this nectar of the gods...
...creme brulee
...vanilla bean ice cream
...homemade vanilla extract
...creme anglais
There is no end to the treasures you can make from this wonderful pod of the gods.

If you have ever used vanilla beans, you know their pleasure and you know the cost of these seemingly contraband delicacies.

Several years ago some friends and myself researched large quantity purchases of vanilla beans and we discovered a wonderful vanilla plantation in Australia that sells large quantities (125 pods).

By using a Food Saver to preserve them from air in 2-3 pod packets, they last for a long time. And you don't have to pay $5.00 a pod.

A new order arrived today. Isn't this one of the most gorgeous sights you have ever seen?


And the smell! [cue the sigh]

I am in a tither at what to make first.

7 comments:

LisaRene said...

When I was a little girl, my mother used to wear vanilla extract as perfume. She would dab a bit behind each ear and on her wrist. Might be fun to infuse a few of those vanilla beans in a bit of alcohol and try spiriting it on your body as a perfume?

Hmmm, makes me wonder what else you could do cosmetically with vanilla beans?

Melody said...

Ooooh, I like that idea. I may have to do some research. Thanks.

nejyerf said...

the barefoot contessa puts a pod in her sugar canister to make vanilla sugar.

the barefoot contessa is a goddes.

she makes everything look so simple and delicious.

Melody said...

I do this too, but I'm not Barefoot Contessa. However I do live in Kentucky (am no I am not pregnant).

I always save the pods even after I scrape the seeds and put them in a designated container of sugar that I use for coffee, topping of creme brulee, french toast, etc.

MysteryGirl said...

I think you should make cupcakes with vanilla frosting.

Melody said...

What time will you be here to share them?

MysteryGirl said...

Didn't you tell me you were coming to San Jose later this year?
You can bring them them.