Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla bean seeds and pod.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
4. Insert a candy thermometer and continue to boil the mixture until it reaches 240°F (soft ball stage).
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
6. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard.
7. Pour the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer.
8. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes thick and creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
9. Transfer the vanilla bean sugar paste to an airtight container and store at room temperature.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
240°F (soft ball stage)
Serving size:
Makes about 1 cup of vanilla bean sugar paste.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 48
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Total carbohydrates: 12g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Vanilla extract can be used instead of a vanilla bean, but the flavor won't be as intense.
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar, but the color and flavor will be different.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of salt to the mixture for a salted vanilla bean sugar paste.
- Use different flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Be careful not to overcook the sugar mixture, or it will become too hard and won't whip up properly.
- Make sure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any oil or grease before whipping the sugar paste.
- Store the vanilla bean sugar paste in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Storage instructions:
Store the vanilla bean sugar paste in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
There's no need to reheat the vanilla bean sugar paste before using it.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the vanilla bean sugar paste in a small dish with fresh fruit or berries.
- Use it as a frosting or filling for cakes, cupcakes, or macarons.
- Spread it on toast or scones for a sweet breakfast treat.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the vanilla bean sugar paste with cinnamon or cocoa powder.
- Top it with whipped cream or chopped nuts.
Pairings:
- Serve the vanilla bean sugar paste with coffee or tea.
- Pair it with a glass of milk or hot chocolate.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit or berries
- Toast or scones
- Cake or cupcakes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sugar paste is too runny, it may not have cooked long enough. Try cooking it for a few more minutes and whipping it again.
- If the sugar paste is too hard, it may have cooked for too long. Try adding a tablespoon of water and whipping it again.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup, as it can cause burns.
- Store the vanilla bean sugar paste in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
- Sugar paste has been used in baking and confectionery for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome.
- Vanilla beans were first cultivated by the Totonac people of Mexico and were later introduced to Europe by Spanish conquistadors.
Flavor profiles:
- The vanilla bean sugar paste has a sweet, creamy, and intense vanilla flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the vanilla bean sugar paste as a dessert or snack.
- Use it as a frosting or filling for baked goods.
- Spread it on toast or scones for a sweet breakfast treat.
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