Vanilla beans work magic in baked goods

Recycling in the kitchen: Fresh vanilla beans, though expensive, add intense flavor to your baked goods.

Don’t waste the pod once you’ve scraped the seeds free. Store it in sugar to make vanilla-scented sugar, which is great for coffee drinks or the top of creme brulee.

Or put pods into vodka or bourbon for a subtle flavor infusion that makes for excellent cocktails.

Food Network Kitchens