Dried vanilla beans

shirl36

10 years ago

Have 2 vanilla beans that is somewhat dry, they are not soft and pliable. Is there any way to soften.

Thought about a 1/2 tsp of brandy and then warm, put top on bottle and let set. Suggestions...or throw out?

Shirl

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Comments (4)

grainlady_ks
10 years ago
There are a bunch of options.

-I take any leftover beans and "store" them in a bottle of vanilla, or homemade vanilla, so they don't dehydrate, and it will work if they are dehydrated. You can "fish" them out and use them. This would be my preferred method.

-You can wrap them in a wet paper towel and zap them in the microwave for a few seconds.

-Cook's Illustrated suggested microwaving them in some milk or cream until softened. Not sure the significance of the dairy product ;?)

-Grainlady
rob333 (zone 7b)
10 years ago
I was thinking like you shirl, except vodka since that's what a bottle of vanilla is, vanilla+vodka. But all of Grainlady's ideas sound good.
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shirl36
Original Author
10 years ago
Well dah volka....even had some in frig....but would never have thought of that.....I used grainladys idea of wrapping in damp paper towel and waveing about 30 seconds....dropped back in glass vial.....added a tsp of brandy
(all I had)...warmed slightly again.... top back on vial....handed to daughter.....this am she said they were good. Thanks for the help....Shirl
rob333 (zone 7b)
10 years ago
Cool. Sounds like something I need to remember at some point! Glad you asked.

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Dried vanilla beans

Comments (4)

grainlady_ks

rob333 (zone 7b)

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shirl36
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Dried vanilla beans

Comments (4)

grainlady_ks

rob333 (zone 7b)

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shirl36Original Author

rob333 (zone 7b)

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shirl36
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