*Homemade Vanilla Sugar
*Ingredients:*
1. 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
2. 1 vanilla bean (5–7 inches long)
*Instructions:*
1. Place the sugar in a food processor or blender. A small chopper or even a coffee grinder will work too. (Process in batches if needed.)
2. If preferred, you can skip the blender and mix the sugar and vanilla seeds in a bowl using a whisk—but blending gives a stronger flavor.
3. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise using a sharp knife.
4. Scrape out the seeds from inside the pod with the knife.
5. Add the seeds to the sugar in the blender.
6. Use a spoon or another knife to remove the sticky seeds from the blade.
7. Pulse or blend until the seeds are fully broken up and mixed in (about 10–12 pulses).
8. If you notice any large clumps, pulse again or sift them out.
9. Pour the vanilla sugar into a clean, airtight jar.
10. Submerge the empty vanilla pod in the sugar (optional, but it enhances the flavor over time). Cut it if needed to fit the jar.
11. You can use the sugar immediately or wait about 2 weeks for a stronger vanilla flavor.
12. Store the sugar at room temperature and shake the jar every few weeks to prevent clumping.
13. When kept in a cool, dry place, vanilla sugar can last over 2 years (though you’ll likely use it up long before that!).