One of the best things about moving into college is getting to decorate your dorm room, apartment, house, or wherever you’re living. It’s likely your first time living in a place other than where you grew up, so now is your big chance to make it your own. Have fun with it!.
To help with dorm room shopping, we’re sharing some of our favorite picks below. Even if college seems like a long time ago, this list might still be useful for you. Many of these items are stylish ways to save space that you can use in your home after college.
Vanilla beans are one of the most delicious and aromatic baking ingredients. Their complex, nuanced flavor can take desserts and baked goods to the next level While vanilla extract is convenient, it doesn’t compare to the depth of flavor you get from using whole vanilla beans.
However, to really get the most out of your vanilla beans, you need to know how to properly scrape out all those tiny, flavor-packed seeds. With the right technique, you can get every last bit of richness and sweetness out of your beans.
At Beanilla, we are vanilla bean experts. We’ve perfected the art of scraping vanilla beans to get the most flavor and aroma. Follow our simple, step-by-step guide below and you’ll be scraping beans like a pro in no time!
Supplies You’ll Need
Scraping vanilla beans is easy with just a few basic supplies
-
Vanilla beans – Make sure they are fresh and plump. The fresher the better for maximum flavor.
-
Sharp knife – A paring knife or small chef’s knife works best. You want a knife with some weight to easily slice down the bean
-
Cutting board – Wood or plastic, whatever you prefer. This gives you a stable surface to cut on.
-
Small spoon – Any small spoon like a teaspoon will work. You’ll use this to scrape out the seeds.
Step 1: Split the Vanilla Bean Lengthwise
Start by laying the vanilla bean flat on your cutting board. We recommend placing it so the rounded side is facing your knife hand. Hold the bean in place with your non-dominant hand.
Take your sharp knife and insert the tip into the rounded top of the bean, right at the top center. Slowly apply pressure and drag the knife down the length of the bean, slicing it open. Try not to cut all the way through – you just want to split it open.
Once split, you should be able to gently open the bean and see all those lovely little seeds inside.
Step 2: Scrape Out the Seeds
Now comes the fun part – using your spoon to scrape out all those flavorful vanilla seeds!
With the bean split open, hold it in place on your cutting board. Take your spoon and starting at the top, gently run it down the length of the bean, scraping the side to collect the seeds.
You’ll see the beans are filled with tons of tiny, black seeds. The seeds have the most concentrated vanilla flavor, so be sure to scrape out all of them. Apply light pressure as you drag your spoon down – you don’t want to scoop out the actual bean pod.
Repeat this motion down both sides of the bean until you’ve collected all the seeds in your spoon. Don’t throw out the scraped bean pod either – it still has some flavor and you can use the empty pod to make vanilla sugar.
Step 3: Add the Scraped Vanilla Bean Seeds
Now you’re ready to add those fresh, aromatic vanilla seeds to your recipe! Here are some of our favorite ways to use scraped vanilla beans:
-
Add them directly to the dry ingredients when baking. The seeds will incorporate evenly throughout batters and doughs.
-
Infuse them into milk or cream for custards, puddings, ice cream bases, etc. Heat the dairy with the seeds and let steep for 30 minutes.
-
Mix them into granulated sugar to make vanilla sugar. The sugar absorbs the vanilla oils.
-
Steep in alcohol like vodka or rum to make vanilla extract.
-
Mix into frosting, glazes, and fillings for extra vanilla flavor.
Scraped vanilla bean seeds provide vanilla flavor and aroma way beyond what you get from vanilla extract alone. Once you master the simple scraping technique, you’ll never want to bake without fresh vanilla beans again!
The next time you have a recipe that calls for vanilla, try using a whole vanilla bean instead. Scrape out those flavorful seeds and experience true vanilla bliss in every bite. Your baked treats will be extra indulgent and everyone will be begging you for the recipe. Happy vanilla bean scraping!
Container Store Black Bed Riser with Power and USB
It raises your bed so you can get more storage space under it, and it also has power outlets and USB ports built right in. Container Store Black Bed Riser with Power and USB, $38.
You might be in the top bunk or your dorm room might not even have a nightstand, so a bedside caddy will help you keep all of your things close at hand. Surblue Bedside Caddy, $12.
West Elm Cloud Jersey Comforter and Sham Set
You might have a hard time getting out of bed for class because this comforter and sham set is so soft. It’s made of organic cotton jersey. West Elm Cloud Jersey Comforter and Sham Set, $222.
How to Easily Split and Scrape a Vanilla Bean
How do you scrape a vanilla bean?
To scrape the seeds, begin by using a sharp knife to carefully split the vanilla bean open lengthwise. Be cautious not to cut through; you want to create a flap that can be opened easily. Then, use the back of your knife or a small spoon to delicately scrape along the inside of the pod, gathering the tiny black seeds as you go.
How do you remove seeds from vanilla beans?
Scrape out the seeds: Working with one half at a time, hold down the tip of the bean against the cutting board. Use the dull side of your paring knife — not the sharp side — and scrape the vanilla beans from the pod. Move from the tip of the pod, where you are holding it, and scrape down the entire length.
How do you cut a vanilla bean?
Find a sharp knife and place the tip of the knife in the center of the bean just below the curled top of the vanilla bean. Slowly cut into the bean holding the top of the bean down onto the cutting board with your left pointer finger and thumb, trying to only slice through the top of the bean and not puncturing through the bottom.
How do you eat a vanilla bean?
Cut a vanilla bean lengthwise with a sharp knife, then use the back of the knife or a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds directly to batters, doughs, or custards to infuse them with the delightful essence of vanilla. They make a great addition to creamy desserts like creme brulee or homemade ice cream.