Vanilla pods

[BlackForestCake]

I have about a dozen vanilla pods to use up. What should I do with them?

I would make Vanilla vodka!

Or perhaps home-made vanilla bean paste/vanilla coffee syrup.

Ooh, I hadn’t thought of vanilla vodka, that‘s a good idea.

Homemade vanilla essence? Put them in a smallish bottle of vodka, leave it for at least 6 months and you have vanilla essence for life. Just top it up with vodka when it's running low.

If I make vanilla essence or vanilla bean paste I’ve just converted the pods into another form, I haven’t actually used the vanilla for anything!

Creme brûlée - this is an easy recipe to follow and you don’t need a blow torch.
Rice pudding
Vanilla chai
Strawberry cheesecake

I love rice pudding but I've never thought of putting vanilla in it! (My mum never did)