Ingredients:

• 200 grams Invert Sugar: Adds sweetness and smooth texture, helping to retain moisture in baked goods.
• 50 grams Glucose Syrup: Contributes to the paste’s consistency, preventing crystallization.
• 60 grams Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses the paste with a strong vanilla flavor.
• 55 grams Vanilla Bean Pods: Use high-quality beans for the best flavor. Scrape the beans to use both the seeds and pods for a full vanilla experience.
• 3 grams Xanthan Gum: A thickener that helps emulsify and stabilize the mixture, ensuring a smooth paste.

Equipment:

• Food Processor: Needed to blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.
• Airtight Container: For storing the vanilla paste.

Instructions:

• Prepare Vanilla Beans:
  • If your vanilla beans aren’t pre-scraped, slice them lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of your knife. The seeds and pods will both be used in this recipe for maximum flavor.
• Blend Ingredients:
  • Place the invert sugar, glucose syrup, pure vanilla extract, scraped vanilla beans (seeds and pods), and xanthan gum into the bowl of your food processor.
• Process:
  • Blend the mixture on high speed for at least 5 minutes. This ensures that the vanilla beans are fully broken down and the mixture becomes smooth. The xanthan gum will help thicken the paste as it blends.
• Check Consistency:
  • After 5 minutes, check the consistency. The mixture should be a smooth, thick paste. If necessary, blend for an additional minute or two until you achieve the desired texture.
• Transfer and Store:
  • Once a smooth paste has formed, transfer the vanilla paste to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent any spoilage.
• Storage:
  • Store your vanilla paste in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for several months due to the natural preservative qualities of sugar and vanilla.

Tips for Use:

• Baking: Use your homemade vanilla paste in any recipe calling for vanilla extract or beans, adjusting quantities to taste. Vanilla paste provides a more intense vanilla flavor and the characteristic speckled appearance of vanilla seeds.
• Measuring: As a general guideline, 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or one vanilla bean.

Note:

This vanilla paste recipe offers a rich, gourmet ingredient for your baking and cooking needs. The presence of both vanilla extract and whole beans ensures a depth of flavor that is hard to beat. Enjoy your baking adventures with this homemade delight!