Help needed for making vanilla bean paste.

[achookwoman]

I have a large jar of vanilla beans soaking in Vodka. I was wondering if I TMX some beans with some of the vodka from the jar would I have vanilla bean extract.
I have checked Google but nothing suggests I can do this. Also most recipes have a lot of sugar added.

[judydawn]

Chookie check out this link http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=16524.0 which will take you to a video of Sistermixin' making vanilla paste from her used beans from the extract recipe.  It's not thick like bought paste but she said the flavour punch is still there.  I'm going to make this myself as I have a tonne of vanilla beans which have been soaking in vodka for years.  Good shelf life too.

[judydawn]

Chookie I've just made a batch of Sistermixin's vanilla paste http://www.sistermixin.com/recipes/vanilla-bean-paste/
Easy but messy!  I used 50g of beans from my vanilla extract jar so I think mine is probably thicker than hers.

[achookwoman]

Thanks Judy. Will have a go tomorrow.

[Kimmyh]

What about drying them out and making vanilla powder? http://skinnymixers.com.au/skinnymixers-vanilla-bean-powder/

[judydawn]

Gosh there are so many things you can do with them Kim.  I don't understand how you can freeze them instead of drying them out in the oven though.  The latter would be easier, anyone tried it?

[cookie1]

I've tried to make the traditional Vanilla Bean paste with the sugar. One jar was ok but the other crystallised out.  I ended up buying a 730ml jar from Tenina for about $85.

[Bedlam]

Cookie, I have tried making my own but you can't beat that heilala paste, it's delicious and lifts anything you use it in.