The beans in this recipe can be dried and placed in your sugar jar to make vanilla sugar.

1. Place vanilla beans and cognac or vodka in a sterilized pint jar. Cap and seal.

2. Let stand in a cool dark place 1 month. Shake bottle gently from time to time.

3. Pour liquid through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a sterilized pint jar. Seal tightly; store in a cool dark place.

• MAKES 1 PINT

• INGREDIENTS

• 4 split vanilla beans, cut into

• 1-inch pieces

• 1 pint cognac or vodka

Vanilla Beans Vanilla beans grow primarily in Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico, and Tahiti. Madagascar vanilla is considered the best quality. In terms of taste, Indonesian vanilla has a sharp undertone, Mexican vanilla is a bit spicy, and Tahitian bears a floral note. Vanilla isn’t just used for cooking; it’s also an important ingredient in various perfumes.