Vanilla Beans

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Vanilla Beans
« on: May 08, 2006, 12:00:24 PM » by Vanillaman

I have a friend who is a missionary in New Guinea, where they grow vanilla beans. Because they have a surplus of growers there right now, and most international buyers require a minimum length of 16 cm., a lot of shorter vanilla beans go to waste, and farmers who work very hard can barely make enough to live on. We decided to ship some over here and make these "smaller than normal" vanilla beans available to Americans at a "smaller than normal" price.

In cooking and baking, vanilla beans are very useful. Here are just a couple of ideas:

Make Your Own Vanilla Extract

Drop 5-6 vanilla beans in a bottle (fifth) of Vodka (the alcohol content in Vodka is actually lower than that of the vanilla extract you buy in the store) and store it in a cool, dark place for about 4 weeks. Just use as needed or leave longer for stronger flavor.

Vanilla Flavored Powdered Sugar

Put 1-2 vanilla beans to each 1 lb. bag of powdered sugar and after a couple of months you won't even have to add vanilla to your baking recipes since there will already be plenty of real vanilla in the powdered sugar. This makes great-tasting brownies!

$1.50 each or 8 for $10.00

Just send me an e-mail including your name and mailing address and let me know how many you want!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2006, 01:36:56 PM » by healthybratt

$1.50 each bean Huh

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2006, 02:05:49 PM » by dara

Why the

? Vanilla beans are really expensive, like he said, and I've been wanting to try some experiments with them (vanilla scented body care products...), but couldn't afford them.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2006, 05:06:07 PM » by ForeverGirl

The beans are long with several "seeds" throughout. And each one goes a long way in making the recipes he mentioned. And yes, vanilla beens go for like $7.00 bucks each on the regular market. 5 (or more) years ago they were going $15.00 each, but now the market is saturated. This is a really good deal.

Did you know that vanilla is the seed of an orchid?

Did you know that vanilla appears to work like a psycho-active in the way it balances out your emotions without lowering your alertness or energy level?

Did you know that it's also used as a "love potion"? The scent has been used for centuries to stimulate the sex drive.

Rebekah

« Last Edit: May 08, 2006, 05:09:52 PM by BeeyoutifulGirl »
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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2006, 05:14:15 PM » by dara

Is that why my hubby likes when I wear it? Wink

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2006, 05:23:35 PM » by ForeverGirl

You wear A vanilla bean? Shocked

I suspect he would like that. Roll Eyes

Seriously though - how DO you wear vanilla?

« Last Edit: May 08, 2006, 05:41:43 PM by BeeyoutifulGirl »
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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2006, 05:47:12 PM » by dara

At present, I wear Bath and Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar lotion and body spray, but I want to make an infusion in oil to use like lotion, since I don't like their ingred. list.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2006, 06:38:38 PM » by Kansas Girl

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on May 08, 2006, 05:23:35 PM

You wear A vanilla bean? Shocked

I suspect he would like that. Roll Eyes

That is too funny!!! I just love this site Grin

Now my hubby wants ME to wear vanilla!!!
-KG

« Last Edit: May 09, 2006, 01:14:55 AM by healthybratt »
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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2006, 01:14:30 AM » by healthybratt

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on May 08, 2006, 05:23:35 PM

You wear A vanilla bean? Shocked

I suspect he would like that. Roll Eyes

Seriously though - how DO you wear vanilla?

As a perfume. Yummy.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #9 on: May 10, 2006, 11:46:13 AM » by ForeverGirl

Here's some more about Vanilla...

The price is great, as I cannot find Vanilla Beans cheaper than this. I can find them for approximately this price but you have to buy 50 to 100 beans.

One of the problems with Vanilla as a healing herb is that for the last 100 years the food and flavorings industry has basically consumed all the Vanilla available. Evidently a few years ago there was a hurricane somewhere that wiped out a bunch of Vanilla and the already high price went through the roof. I guess in response to this every farmer on the planet palnted some Vanilla and now the market is terrible bacuase of the abundance of Vanilla.

In my opinion this is great! What this means is that Vanilla is now cheap enough for all the natural health folks to consider for its healing properties... which leads me to this:

OK, I mentioned earlier that it is a female libido enhancer...

I personally don't think that there is such a thing in a specific sense. Basically, a woman's libido is almost totally "enhanced" by her husband... so... there needs to be alot written to men about how to "love your wives..." which is another topic, that of course I can't write - but I know somebody who's an expert... Roll Eyes

However! Having said that there is no such thing, I will say that many things can greatly help. One of those is being in a relaxed, safe, un-stressed environment. So buy a lock for your bedroom door (self-advice Grin

). Another is having a clear, focused mentality... um... sort of like you get from caffeine, but more like what you get from a breath of fresh air, or a brisk morning walk. The combination of those two things will greatly enhance a woman's ability to enjoy love making.

Interestingly... and I will have to write a longer article on this... the scent of real Vanilla seems to be both a toner (giving clarity, focus, and sort of an energy boost) and at the same time a relaxant... in the sense that it eases tensions, emotional jitteriness, etc.

Talk about an ideal perfume!

Finally... the Song of Solomon repeatedly mentions scents and frangrances. It is obvious that Solomon's bride was... well that the fragrances were in some sense aphrodesiac for her... and possibly for Solomon himself....

Finally, there have been several references to higher oxygen levels also being very effective for the woman in love making. It seems that either being in a high oxygen environment, or just having a strong cardio-vascular system is a great for every function of life, including sex.

OK... I hope this is not to much - too bold. There were some question about this subject earlier in the forum, and I felt like Vanilla offered a great opportunity.

I would love to hear about a bunch of different Vanilla recipes and experiments.

I guess I covered more than one subject here...

Rebekah

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2006, 07:01:41 AM » by Vanillaman

For Vanilla Beans:

Please send me an e-mail david_j_silvestri at yahoo dot com with your name and address and I will reply with an address to send the check!
Thanks,
David

« Last Edit: May 11, 2006, 04:58:17 PM by healthybratt »
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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2006, 11:18:12 AM » by natural

Do you know under what conditions these beans grow? Do they have a lot of chemicals on them? Herbicides/ pestecides (sp?)

Sounds interesting. i have had my grandmother buy me vanilla when she goes down to Mexico. Then I was watching a show called Good Eats, on the Food Network. He said that the only safe place to buy vanilla was Madegascar. I guess every other place supposedly adds other cancer-causing types of beans to their mix.

Anyone ever hear of that? Anyway, that is reason enough for me to buy these vanilla beans, if they are not coated in chemicals. Tongue

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #12 on: May 11, 2006, 11:27:37 AM » by StephTallent

Quote from: natural on May 11, 2006, 11:18:12 AM

Sounds interesting. i have had my grandmother buy me vanilla when she goes down to Mexico. Then I was watching a show called Good Eats, on the Food Network. He said that the only safe place to buy vanilla was Madegascar. I guess every other place supposedly adds other cancer-causing types of beans to their mix.

YAY!!! Glad to know I'm not the only person that enjoys watching "Good Eats" He is AMAZING! Cheesy

I haven't seen his show on vanilla but every time I watch it no matter what it's about I always learn sooo much.

OTC I've been known to wear my cooking vanilla as perfume. Interestingly enough I get more compliments on my "Vanilla" perfume than I've ever gotten on my super expensive "normal" perfume! Cool

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #13 on: May 11, 2006, 07:12:46 PM » by LilyEilis

Quote from: StephTallent on May 11, 2006, 11:27:37 AM

YAY!!! Glad to know I'm not the only person that enjoys watching "Good Eats" He is AMAZING! Cheesy

I enjoy watching "Good Eats" too...you always learn about so much more than just his recipes...and Alton Brown is so funny!

About the vanilla "perfume"...do you dilute it at all or just apply it as is? I've actually thought about using vanilla as perfume, but thought it would end up being too sticky...? Do you have a problem with that?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #14 on: May 11, 2006, 08:14:38 PM » by StephTallent

I have used Vanilla before that have the ingredients of Alcohol, Vanilla and corn Syrup?? I haven't used that companies on my skin as a perfume because of the corn syrup. I did find another one at Trader Joe's that was straight bourbon and Vanilla. No stickiness at all! It just evaporates on the skin leaving the pleasant scent behind.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #15 on: May 11, 2006, 08:19:56 PM » by LilyEilis

Quote from: StephTallent on May 11, 2006, 08:14:38 PM

Okay, thanks for answering so quickly! Unfortunately, I don't think there's a Trader Joe's near where I'm living at the moment (I've heard so much great stuff about that store and really want to go to one!), but after what you said, I would guess that any vanilla that uses just some form of alcohol and vanilla would work fine...hmmm, hopefully I can find that somewhere! I've been looking for natural perfume alternatives and this sounds like a good one...especially if men like it as much as you all have said. Maybe it'll help me get married sooner! Grin

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #16 on: May 11, 2006, 09:04:54 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: LilyEilis on May 11, 2006, 08:19:56 PM

Quote from: StephTallent on May 11, 2006, 08:14:38 PM

It's not cheap, but they sell real vanilla (vanilla extract only) at Walmart. I forget the brand but it's about $7.00 for a small bottle 1-3 oz or something like that.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #17 on: May 11, 2006, 09:48:16 PM » by natural

[ Maybe it'll help me get married sooner! Grin

Quote

[/color]

Maybe you could tell us about yourself and we could set you up with some possible candidates Huh

I know some real fine bachelors in MN Grin

--Sister Sandra

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #18 on: May 12, 2006, 07:57:29 AM » by LilyEilis

Quote from: healthybratt on May 11, 2006, 09:04:54 PM

It's not cheap, but they sell real vanilla (vanilla extract only) at Walmart. I forget the brand but it's about $7.00 for a small bottle 1-3 oz or something like that.

Okay, thanks for letting me know...I WAS wondering where I could find some real stuff. But wow...that's a little spendy for some "perfume"...at least spendy for me, who buys the big bottles of Bath & Body Works body spray only when they're half off!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #19 on: May 12, 2006, 07:59:22 AM » by LilyEilis

Quote from: natural on May 11, 2006, 09:48:16 PM

Maybe you could tell us about yourself and we could set you up with some possible candidates Huh

I know some real fine bachelors in MN Grin

--Sister Sandra

HAHA

Thanks for the offer! My best friend lives in MN too...and I know of some "real fine bachelors" that live by her...must be the area!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #20 on: May 12, 2006, 10:53:01 AM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: BeeyoutifulGirl on May 10, 2006, 11:46:13 AM

Interestingly... and I will have to write a longer article on this...Rebekah

Hey, just encouraging you to do it! I would love to read it.

The vanilla-as-a-scent idea is just the answer I've been looking for! Can't wait to try it and hear of more recipes and ideas.
~B

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #21 on: May 12, 2006, 11:26:50 AM » by Vanillaman

Willie, the vanilla grower in New Guinea, does not treat or add anything to his vanilla plants or beans. They are as they grow: hand picked and partially sun-dried. Good question "natural", thanks!
-David
david_j_silvestri at yahoo dot com

« Last Edit: May 12, 2006, 02:34:23 PM by healthybratt »
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Vanilla Beans - More Recipies!
« Reply #22 on: May 12, 2006, 11:44:06 AM » by Vanillaman

Fruit Compote
Ingredients:
• 450g (1 lb) rhubarb, sliced
• 2 pears - sliced
• 225 g (8 oz) plums, stones removed and halved
• 3- 4 tbs water
• 50-75 g (2 -3 oz) caster (superfine) sugar to taste
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split
• 1 cinnamon stick, broken in half
Preparation:
Place all the fruit in a large saucepan with the water, sugar, vanilla pod and cinnamon stick. Simmer for 10 -15 minutes until fruit is tender.
Cool and remove the vanilla bean and cinnamon stick just before serving. Serve with cream, or as the filling for a crumble or pie.

Lemon & Vanilla Posset
        This posset is lovely poured over fresh summer fruits, such as raspberries and strawberries.


* 600 ml (1 pint) double cream
* 75 g (3 oz) caster (superfine) sugar
* 1 vanilla bean, cut into fourths
* Juice of 2 lemons



1. Heat the cream, sugar and vanilla bean in a pan, bringing slowly to the boil. Continue boiling for 2 - 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the lemon juice. Cool slightly, remove the vanilla bean and pour into 6 small serving glasses.
3. Chill before serving.

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #23 on: May 12, 2006, 12:17:09 PM » by LilyEilis

This is probably a dumb question...but in recipes, like those posted above, when a vanilla bean is used and then removed from the mixture, is it reusable? I've never cooked with vanilla beans before, but I would love to try it...and the recipes posted sound scrumptious!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #24 on: May 29, 2006, 09:31:05 PM » by natural

Hey you all, I got my vanilla beans from david_j_silvestri at yahoo dot com -- Up further on this thread.

They look and smell yummy...now just to figure out how I am going to get some vodka in a town of 404 without being accused of being a lush Undecided

I will have to go back up on this thread to see what else I can do with it...I have a dozen of these and I am wondering if they go bad and how I should store them...David Silvestri is great in getting back with these answers and I assume he will respond shortly to my email....if anyone knows or wants to know please post/stay tune to this thread.

Sister SAndra

« Last Edit: May 29, 2006, 10:39:12 PM by healthybratt »
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4 yo Maciah: Mamma I am scared the wind is howling.
Me: Go to sleep Jesus will protect you.
4 yo Maciah: (stretching his chin to chest) But, but I can't see Jesus my head can't reach into my heart.

Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #25 on: May 29, 2006, 10:11:36 PM » by OneMaster

I have been brewing some vanilla bean extract for a few months now, and it's great! You can just keep replenishing the vodka or beans and keep it going for years, as far as I have read.

I bought some pretty bottles at CostPlus and plan to make extract for gifts. It looks fancy and special, and the beans can still be used in recipes even after sitting in the vodka.

Can't wait to get my order!

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #26 on: May 29, 2006, 10:41:16 PM » by healthybratt

Maybe drill a hole in the beans and wear them as a necklace and then you wouldn't have to wear your vanilla perfume. LOL Roll Eyes

(matching earrings too). HAHAHA - sorry, feeling a bit silly. Wink

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #27 on: May 30, 2006, 01:54:33 PM » by natural

Healthybratt, that vodka is for the vanilla, not for swigging Shocked

Well I found out that you can store this in three zip lock bags (alternating ends---zip one , out in upsidedown, then zip that then place that one on the opposite way) then place it in a canning jar and seal it keep cool and dark --supposed to last a long time,

Sister Sandra

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4 yo Maciah: (stretching his chin to chest) But, but I can't see Jesus my head can't reach into my heart.

Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #28 on: May 30, 2006, 02:35:41 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: natural on May 30, 2006, 01:54:33 PM

Healthybratt, that vodka is for the vanilla, not for swigging Shocked

Sister Sandra

Shhhhhh....

Store what? The used beans? or the Vodka?

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Re: Vanilla Beans
« Reply #29 on: June 13, 2006, 11:07:03 AM » by amazonmama2five