Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup Recipe

Ever wonder what to do with all of those vanilla beans we often give away on promotion? Two words: simple syrup. Whether you have a plump new vanilla bean or a couple of older shrivelled up ones, they have perfect use in this boiled sugar-water solution that adds sweetness and flavor to coffee or tea without the graininess of granulated sugar. Simple syrup is also often called for in cocktail recipes and provides additional moisture to the sponge while assembling a cake.

• Yield:about 2 cups

• Level of Difficulty:Easy

• Cook Time:8 Hours

• Prep Time:10 Minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups

  sugar

• 1 cup

  water

• 1 small pinch

  cream of tartar

• 1

  vanilla bean split lengthwise with seeds scraped (use two if your beans are old)

Directions

Mix water, sugar and cream of tartar in a small pot and place on high heat.

Brush any sugar that has crystallized on the inside of the pot with a pastry brush that has been dipped in water.

Bring mixture to boil and remove from heat once all sugar has dissolved.

Pour mixture over vanilla seeds and pods into a heat-proof container.

Allow mixture to steep for eight to ten hours to impart flavor.

You may strain this mixture with a sieve or leave the vanilla bean(s) in for as long as you like. Store simple syrup in refrigerator for up to a week.