Vanilla Sugar

Wonderfully fragrant and flavorful sugar made by burying vanilla beans in granulated or confectioners' sugar -- usually in the proportion of two beans for each pound of sugar. The mixture is stored in an airtight container for about a week before the vanilla bean is removed. The result is a delicious and perfumy sugar that can be used as an ingredient or decoration for baked goods, fruit and other desserts. Vanilla beans may be reused in this fashion for up to 6 months.