The Best Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9naYrd5XjNABBG_GJJC_nA9IVetXR9aLjsNWTFQrIOMtj_NZFQEOcUG7SL-oX732tZuMru9e3GN5gTyKt9I6eQncq8wc7jtNIIoo380JecL3iXol6uITLrWuQsNZ8amz4VqbcXWfc9j_/s1600/IMG_8417.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9naYrd5XjNABBG_GJJC_nA9IVetXR9aLjsNWTFQrIOMtj_NZFQEOcUG7SL-oX732tZuMru9e3GN5gTyKt9I6eQncq8wc7jtNIIoo380JecL3iXol6uITLrWuQsNZ8amz4VqbcXWfc9j_/s640/IMG_8417.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-best-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-p-s-K_xWIyY%2FUAbCuSDEFhI%2FAAAAAAAALTg%2FunIwoYi0IEA%2Fs640%2Fcupcakes.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Vanilla%20Cupcake%20Recipe%20from%20Magnolia%20Bakery%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-best-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html%0A"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br />I consider myself somewhat of a cupcake aficionado.  I've been on the cupcake bus since... well, as long as I can remember.  In my catering and wedding planning days, I made (I'm guessing...) thousands of cupcakes for my clients.  I once did a Bridal Fair and was told to be prepared for 3,000 brides to visit my booth... So, I made 3,000 mini cupcakes topped with a pale blue buttercream that I dubbed "Bliss Blue."  Obviously the booth was a big hit.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk9uh9RkKbWNxZ8rsqPK0LtMdWw0UV3qS9C2G7uP8FiFphlihIgHZ1LTLnhTsH8bfJTebcOwXlLRJaCPoecNYOj8i23Jc9-gOXg2mSEXiFg2M_jQfAcHq54MoWbZbghNqy-3lNkLKUyPw/s1600/IMG_8432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk9uh9RkKbWNxZ8rsqPK0LtMdWw0UV3qS9C2G7uP8FiFphlihIgHZ1LTLnhTsH8bfJTebcOwXlLRJaCPoecNYOj8i23Jc9-gOXg2mSEXiFg2M_jQfAcHq54MoWbZbghNqy-3lNkLKUyPw/s640/IMG_8432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />My first 'gourmet' cupcake was at Sprinkles in Beverly Hills 10-12 years ago(?).  Since then I make a point taste cupcakes from any cupcakerie that I pass.  An occupational obligation.  Some of my favorites include Georgetown Cupcakes (tv show, DC Cupcake), Sweet (Back Bay, Boston), Sprinkles (DC - <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/08/cherry-cupcakes-with-cherry-almond.html">remember the cherry blossom cupcakes I made?!</a>), Cupcake A La Mode (Kansas City), Dolce (Kansas City), and most recently Magnolia Bakery.<br /><br />When we were in New York for a wedding this Spring, I had my first experience at Magnolia Bakery.  I'm a tough critic- but I thought these were some of the best cupcakes I've ever tasted.  Mostly, I loved the very vanilla-y, soft and creamy buttercream.<br /><br />Emma's 7th month birthday was on the 15th, so yesterday I made a batch of Magnolia Bakery Vanilla Cupakes topped with Bliss Blue Vanilla Buttercream.  Basically, I just needed an excuse.<br /><br />*New : Here is a link to <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">my new store</a> with all of my favorite <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Baking Essentials</a> - the perfect <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">cupcake liners</a>, <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">disposable piping bags</a>, etc. to make your cupcake making easy.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTYAkOSk6Qq0HNhbeiLcB_ZM2j5vHZC_zS5lrnAJ5-p6-81zU2it15u36a5HZfPzuG1Zq3lU3bOwDiDbLpmC3I1XrwhnUU1gpWoPfAuv7-e6unl_weF00ymEnGLqVL1x2Vgp-DMcr-Ip9/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTYAkOSk6Qq0HNhbeiLcB_ZM2j5vHZC_zS5lrnAJ5-p6-81zU2it15u36a5HZfPzuG1Zq3lU3bOwDiDbLpmC3I1XrwhnUU1gpWoPfAuv7-e6unl_weF00ymEnGLqVL1x2Vgp-DMcr-Ip9/s640/cupcakes.jpg" width="420" /></a> <i>Magnolia Bakery's</i><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Vanilla Cupcakes </span><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-best-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-p-s-K_xWIyY%2FUAbCuSDEFhI%2FAAAAAAAALTg%2FunIwoYi0IEA%2Fs640%2Fcupcakes.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Vanilla%20Cupcake%20Recipe%20from%20Magnolia%20Bakery%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-best-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html%0A"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br />1 1/2 cups self-rising flour<br />1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour<br />1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened<br />2 cups sugar<br />4 large eggs, at room temperature<br />1 cup milk<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br /><div class="instruction">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.</div><div class="instruction"><br /></div>Line 2 (1/2 cup-12 capacity) muffin tins with cupcake papers.<br /><br />In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.<br /><br /><div class="instructions">In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not over beat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">cupcake liners</a>, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.<br /><br />Cool the cupcakes in tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WcNsGokfVkiHuTY-Vt-AfODzbyLX6yopN_bN6JQuGDFQgeSrtcWVSF0xqYszghOYrd6Oq2j_Sc22a8M1nRJ_awvw0ChsWWn2pMHp5h6tNFi1cybjiFe7iK3cUfmectHOFvJ7IsahwiID/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WcNsGokfVkiHuTY-Vt-AfODzbyLX6yopN_bN6JQuGDFQgeSrtcWVSF0xqYszghOYrd6Oq2j_Sc22a8M1nRJ_awvw0ChsWWn2pMHp5h6tNFi1cybjiFe7iK3cUfmectHOFvJ7IsahwiID/s640/IMG_8328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">My favorite cupcake liners : a little taller than most papers, but still fit in a standard muffin pan for professional looking cupcakes.</a><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Vanilla Buttercream:</i></span><br /><div class="instructions"><div class="instruction"><br /></div>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened<br />6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar<br />1/2 cup milk<br />2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br /><br />Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.<br />Yield: enough for 2 dozen cupcakes or 1 (9-inch) layer cake </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9JnkxTGGqJqAhN32gcGEgdjPCrwlLDS-TxnyBZfHDpF5d-fAp5xig2T4VzUlhdBeaQDcVJGfZbt1nnXFIpcnnjvb8X6RjhSi9GMJaULEAzMBbT_otiqQDljJ8Wvc-8_82hIhB2EYTx3J/s1600/IMG_8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht9JnkxTGGqJqAhN32gcGEgdjPCrwlLDS-TxnyBZfHDpF5d-fAp5xig2T4VzUlhdBeaQDcVJGfZbt1nnXFIpcnnjvb8X6RjhSi9GMJaULEAzMBbT_otiqQDljJ8Wvc-8_82hIhB2EYTx3J/s640/IMG_8334.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Make sure you beat the icing for 3-5 minutes to get the super creamy consistency.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrCu0ASpVBUtbnnXjVtV4-1oFexoC7HZXkSMZ6TTE8diS-dk_3Ezl0IqwxATZP_SMIvlGvbD9UrLq7qSFRkDRO7vFXYbltfcHrQup2lgQXh3pFQFL70zkYUZctjH25DRlxmhT-WZwXdKg/s1600/IMG_8399.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrCu0ASpVBUtbnnXjVtV4-1oFexoC7HZXkSMZ6TTE8diS-dk_3Ezl0IqwxATZP_SMIvlGvbD9UrLq7qSFRkDRO7vFXYbltfcHrQup2lgQXh3pFQFL70zkYUZctjH25DRlxmhT-WZwXdKg/s640/IMG_8399.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /> As I talked about at length in my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/10/heirloom-pumpkin-sugar-cookies-tips-for.html">Heirloom Pumpkin Sugar Cookies post</a>, when I'm mixing icing colors I always add a little touch of the opposite of the color I'm mixing to achieve a muted color that looks more sophisticated.  In this instance since I was making blue, I added just a touch of red (far left) and yellow (middle) to the blue (right).  By adding the red and yellow (or orange... I didn't have any) the color will appear more muted and not so bright.  It sounds strange, but it really works.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQrjGAkVsWCIVrlGH2EK4tsuIyHORTQXLCz6E_xwKuUXDgFNjatahPn-ue0YYTMzNBLfAwWXXdXihSS4f-yxNwNTspXyqXlsexyTiZA8oDbXF2_ONGvLLbee8t6wGVcXnc6HsFCAMzq84/s1600/IMG_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQrjGAkVsWCIVrlGH2EK4tsuIyHORTQXLCz6E_xwKuUXDgFNjatahPn-ue0YYTMzNBLfAwWXXdXihSS4f-yxNwNTspXyqXlsexyTiZA8oDbXF2_ONGvLLbee8t6wGVcXnc6HsFCAMzq84/s640/IMG_8339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ready to frost - I opted for a homemade looking cupcake versus my <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-cupcakes-cupcake-boxes.html">typical piped on swirl</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDlAHmy4KHHqe9oljYlxunrdPMznY5dmbA7y2I-Gy5rcnrOzxkdGyuAAe6Ve7BwHVg-3mkmUeWl-NFaDQ4FniQPjaX8mVzaI-djtW-jeCSS9vVkhlViIUx-TrPEqr6TcIEgJ3z-v29_By/s1600/IMG_8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDlAHmy4KHHqe9oljYlxunrdPMznY5dmbA7y2I-Gy5rcnrOzxkdGyuAAe6Ve7BwHVg-3mkmUeWl-NFaDQ4FniQPjaX8mVzaI-djtW-jeCSS9vVkhlViIUx-TrPEqr6TcIEgJ3z-v29_By/s640/IMG_8406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I tried to mimic the famous Magnolia swirl... it was hard to copy! <br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-best-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-p-s-K_xWIyY%2FUAbCuSDEFhI%2FAAAAAAAALTg%2FunIwoYi0IEA%2Fs640%2Fcupcakes.jpg&description=The%20BEST%20Vanilla%20Cupcake%20Recipe%20from%20Magnolia%20Bakery%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F07%2Fthe-best-vanilla-cupcakes-with-vanilla.html%0A"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3zoXhXh9GljFVJoQuMIQSlHFTuChAr73qybOr75wb-PMP2BOIpNbWOd7yCc1YfM2JD_EUE-0ppQ497a8sgEu-Fe1OjOpUGf1S75dKkP1hDGas_l5WRN85I6KBHKuweCgi7-lEF3V1uu5/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3zoXhXh9GljFVJoQuMIQSlHFTuChAr73qybOr75wb-PMP2BOIpNbWOd7yCc1YfM2JD_EUE-0ppQ497a8sgEu-Fe1OjOpUGf1S75dKkP1hDGas_l5WRN85I6KBHKuweCgi7-lEF3V1uu5/s640/IMG_8409.JPG" width="632" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Again... here is a link to <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">my new store</a> with all of my favorite <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">Baking Essentials</a> - the perfect <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">cupcake liners (a little taller than most for professional looking cupcakes)</a>, <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies">disposable piping bags</a>, etc. to make your cupcake making easy. </div>

The Best Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

I consider myself somewhat of a cupcake aficionado.  I've been on the cupcake bus since... well, as long as I can remember.  In my cat...

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Vanilla Bean Scones

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7vTpSK1kcjfaHwJPMNhrNgBTxVG_aCbVp3CfWpQWUlqE4mpfUaNlVK-d2HQA1FKV2ZJ2o978Y2PYkVLN_54Flp72Ad09_RQMGN5SpeWThNG9ZeadSv1RiaWwDL-OeWhyTWivo5-PPdFR/s1600/IMG_6128.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7vTpSK1kcjfaHwJPMNhrNgBTxVG_aCbVp3CfWpQWUlqE4mpfUaNlVK-d2HQA1FKV2ZJ2o978Y2PYkVLN_54Flp72Ad09_RQMGN5SpeWThNG9ZeadSv1RiaWwDL-OeWhyTWivo5-PPdFR/s640/IMG_6128.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8d1Un13VWfeLuWDej_7ynbk-HhJClGn1bRsJNnBVF5rXVvxf5IH6YAmv3o_OzntLTL7y1A-FVW4wt5NkFGTiHNUEE3wkY1tMyKQu2wLWCIzp_sfE6ew7CpRQivhQwtoK9ku4wqnlfRzw/s1600/IMG_6092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8d1Un13VWfeLuWDej_7ynbk-HhJClGn1bRsJNnBVF5rXVvxf5IH6YAmv3o_OzntLTL7y1A-FVW4wt5NkFGTiHNUEE3wkY1tMyKQu2wLWCIzp_sfE6ew7CpRQivhQwtoK9ku4wqnlfRzw/s400/IMG_6092.jpg" width="266" /></a>Good Morning, Vanilla Bean.  Good Morning, Vanilla Sugar.<br /><br />Another Saturday morning, another craving for scones... and I didn't want to go to the store.  As I'm stirring in a scoop of vanilla sugar into my coffee, inspiration struck:  <br /><br />Vanilla Bean Scones<br /><br />But would they be too boring?  Too plain without the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/03/cranberry-scones-with-orange-glaze.html" target="_blank">tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze</a>?  Would just the vanilla bean be enough?<br /><br />Silly girl.  Did I forget that the simplicity of the vanilla bean is exactly what the vanilla bean is all about?  Apparently I had.  But only briefly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSAmUQJ14qEqQDv_v5aYJnM25A9oDtTdeaXXUCwb3wZ1P5mMONczHm_z-QqFHhODisaIc5aHCgj2KVWYKZpUENKKxyVg2ecULU-qM5MgUpMKT10F21Q2MjWwcWJXfPeA2NuInES5ci7gn/s1600/vanilla-bean-scones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSAmUQJ14qEqQDv_v5aYJnM25A9oDtTdeaXXUCwb3wZ1P5mMONczHm_z-QqFHhODisaIc5aHCgj2KVWYKZpUENKKxyVg2ecULU-qM5MgUpMKT10F21Q2MjWwcWJXfPeA2NuInES5ci7gn/s1600/vanilla-bean-scones.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OCb3Onu39-w%2FT7qD9_Yf79I%2FAAAAAAAAKT8%2FLwBhRRnhcNY%2Fs1600%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.jpg&description=Easy%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Scones%20with%20a%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Glaze%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8H1P7hX8CBIQ1yL1lc7xUfyGUH_TPXidRJ0kWihCdGHX6ff3HNFC9ykYrQ1scV-caj5VwQobRp8UqS7UOVzbeY54NjtMDFqhIr1ivgxywuIMXhbQbowolZDqel3dliZ7X2-AJavqwH-J/s1600/IMG_6093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8H1P7hX8CBIQ1yL1lc7xUfyGUH_TPXidRJ0kWihCdGHX6ff3HNFC9ykYrQ1scV-caj5VwQobRp8UqS7UOVzbeY54NjtMDFqhIr1ivgxywuIMXhbQbowolZDqel3dliZ7X2-AJavqwH-J/s400/IMG_6093.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Vanilla Bean Scones</span><br /><i>simple</i><br /><br />2 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/4 cup <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanilla-sugar-baking-pantry-essential.html" target="_blank">vanilla sugar</a><br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon sea salt<br />12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced<br />2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten<br />1/2 cup cold heavy cream<br />1 tablespoon of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-bean-paste-this-will-change.html" target="_blank">vanilla bean paste</a><br /><br />1 tablespoon of <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-bean-paste-this-will-change.html" target="_blank">vanilla bean paste</a>1/2 cup confectioners' sugar<br />2 tablespoons of cream or milk<br /><br />In a mixer, combine flour, vanilla sugar, baking powder and salt using the paddle attachment.  Cut the cold butter into 1/2 inch pieces.  Add the butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low until the butter is mixed in and is the size of peas.  In a separate bowl, mix together eggs, whipping cream and vanilla bean paste with a fork.  Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the cream and egg mixture.  Turn off the mixer once added.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJwUu2cMEMwfU1TQ-_haVI9owUdzpWtRHRxDxXsY5wIG6nmFx-Z7dXK_OZ1jgt_g1jLr8tAsHAU_LY_V2b6_CspIV3NJscsi0XeUrv8DY_jxKjC-mIgk5Zn7ek8wRjaWHGliVONAakROY/s1600/IMG_6101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJwUu2cMEMwfU1TQ-_haVI9owUdzpWtRHRxDxXsY5wIG6nmFx-Z7dXK_OZ1jgt_g1jLr8tAsHAU_LY_V2b6_CspIV3NJscsi0XeUrv8DY_jxKjC-mIgk5Zn7ek8wRjaWHGliVONAakROY/s640/IMG_6101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Put some flour on the counter.  Turn the dough out onto the floured surface.  Add some flour onto the top of the dough, then pat it out into a disk - about 8-9 inches in diameter.  Cut the disk into 6 pieces like a pie.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGuhx1bj0z1Fi8SVGl0hyphenhyphenSTM3viMFAGX9F5FaUhGYLxLFuia2VZaX5n8dej1qiJLp_fXPb8NgNoJPWjGg5aRBjg1WnvOsJByEuP7c_m1__IkUi0B7KcXStI74ntWMM5L9Cpuxpeuz-LFv/s1600/IMG_6098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGuhx1bj0z1Fi8SVGl0hyphenhyphenSTM3viMFAGX9F5FaUhGYLxLFuia2VZaX5n8dej1qiJLp_fXPb8NgNoJPWjGg5aRBjg1WnvOsJByEuP7c_m1__IkUi0B7KcXStI74ntWMM5L9Cpuxpeuz-LFv/s640/IMG_6098.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Smile at your daughter...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq968nYXtmYVonEQIp_5LSyV7NgTIZMD2pp8GynNKqu7n_PK7AUtfiig8EBD1t-D2THmumf-5Wrhuo269dXCmyJ-aN7jvYu5goFbMNuhJn4_L_xWudYpwDuz5WO1nDjSxkvxI4foUaQLzB/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq968nYXtmYVonEQIp_5LSyV7NgTIZMD2pp8GynNKqu7n_PK7AUtfiig8EBD1t-D2THmumf-5Wrhuo269dXCmyJ-aN7jvYu5goFbMNuhJn4_L_xWudYpwDuz5WO1nDjSxkvxI4foUaQLzB/s640/IMG_6102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Separate the pieces and put them on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF64UTbC8MmdMVU2WpO_xMoqINhUquJbn81kCG9f1AoSCsU1sNOlzNXmIy3d8gD23Ouh_mqxkYfu9bh6s6zWxUa9l7tCs2Xh-vDTr6mt40Z2AauoKdbH2opq5DnsEPm5-m6nN-vEmgnzs/s1600/IMG_6114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF64UTbC8MmdMVU2WpO_xMoqINhUquJbn81kCG9f1AoSCsU1sNOlzNXmIy3d8gD23Ouh_mqxkYfu9bh6s6zWxUa9l7tCs2Xh-vDTr6mt40Z2AauoKdbH2opq5DnsEPm5-m6nN-vEmgnzs/s640/IMG_6114.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make the glaze, stir together cream, 1 tablespoon of vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAUN-1KaDRRdrfyw49o-xtebkWbejqPbTjHAdKE_DbpBi3yhZkHVlXzi3ljiMl-CLYd3X3ytr9ynpEXTVZWnG1ESadmIlcU2WX7ooFzhelyBV3qKWXJIy5fx6r2OonrJFPq0yzE5COe-o/s1600/IMG_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAUN-1KaDRRdrfyw49o-xtebkWbejqPbTjHAdKE_DbpBi3yhZkHVlXzi3ljiMl-CLYd3X3ytr9ynpEXTVZWnG1ESadmIlcU2WX7ooFzhelyBV3qKWXJIy5fx6r2OonrJFPq0yzE5COe-o/s640/IMG_6120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ice them with spoonfuls of the glaze while they're still hot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Obb4vypjB_-FkxEi0vdHQXTgpOcFnFkAXI5Spm2_ewyGWA9DOfu6DlwjVArSDOW0vVskzmzwM1YzurbR8SheizkQr_bRarP9unWJC4OjMHDX2L6ZBGt0l4isinkUm0h1O5WHHvY5__T8/s1600/IMG_6134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Obb4vypjB_-FkxEi0vdHQXTgpOcFnFkAXI5Spm2_ewyGWA9DOfu6DlwjVArSDOW0vVskzmzwM1YzurbR8SheizkQr_bRarP9unWJC4OjMHDX2L6ZBGt0l4isinkUm0h1O5WHHvY5__T8/s640/IMG_6134.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OCb3Onu39-w%2FT7qD9_Yf79I%2FAAAAAAAAKT8%2FLwBhRRnhcNY%2Fs1600%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.jpg&description=Easy%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Scones%20with%20a%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Glaze%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lJi7uyXARPxFjruRAiQ192fNZwS-knkBbOpBJL81Fa1IIXR97Z6cdRZEE_SPEJRzHsk4K4hFkycMuX8EHZs1thG_JBePCergNYHPMn6XZ6-tTNLZ1a1axki-8EsjZ_15NGtZF0NqjGnn/s1600/IMG_6136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lJi7uyXARPxFjruRAiQ192fNZwS-knkBbOpBJL81Fa1IIXR97Z6cdRZEE_SPEJRzHsk4K4hFkycMuX8EHZs1thG_JBePCergNYHPMn6XZ6-tTNLZ1a1axki-8EsjZ_15NGtZF0NqjGnn/s640/IMG_6136.jpg" width="426" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzAaG7KYLmErwl5GaQkiDA8-jO5N3XffDUU8QtnG6bUv9rXqwAEYGba-3oxlFnbnnNHQevBaK9PEVEuAcJ6Zln93h3z1nGICHg_r35eDh3CKA7FUKg3HoxT662NlA0E3foZNEntlhgOnJ/s1600/IMG_5341_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzAaG7KYLmErwl5GaQkiDA8-jO5N3XffDUU8QtnG6bUv9rXqwAEYGba-3oxlFnbnnNHQevBaK9PEVEuAcJ6Zln93h3z1nGICHg_r35eDh3CKA7FUKg3HoxT662NlA0E3foZNEntlhgOnJ/s400/IMG_5341_3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-OCb3Onu39-w%2FT7qD9_Yf79I%2FAAAAAAAAKT8%2FLwBhRRnhcNY%2Fs1600%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.jpg&description=Easy%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Scones%20with%20a%20Vanilla%20Bean%20Glaze%20%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F05%2Fvanilla-bean-scones.html"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Click here for instructions for making your own <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanilla-sugar-baking-pantry-essential.html" target="_blank">Vanilla Sugar</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8EMx3Sug1XKkps6Ed1e-q9KcWSf9ViZSMAU6zzSYQtKTcII1HmUb6P0Xoew9ajVIMuDo8A2snfSJqghfoqm9kkDGQN1uvMYnnrLWCXLXNoCRYcEAm3RSlbyg85BNZwKx7EQYLVer8GKp/s1600/baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8EMx3Sug1XKkps6Ed1e-q9KcWSf9ViZSMAU6zzSYQtKTcII1HmUb6P0Xoew9ajVIMuDo8A2snfSJqghfoqm9kkDGQN1uvMYnnrLWCXLXNoCRYcEAm3RSlbyg85BNZwKx7EQYLVer8GKp/s400/baking.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For more baking inspiration - see my mini <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry Upgrade</a>... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!</div></div><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

Vanilla Bean Scones

Good Morning, Vanilla Bean.  Good Morning, Vanilla Sugar. Another Saturday morning, another craving for scones... and I didn't want to g...

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Vanilla Sugar - Baking Pantry Essential

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9mtKbTVRE6HirNvt-TFWWeFeUTFHKbY6fbOpv7z44Vrj4L1D6mqsG-5Q4Bo90ue4GkFXv7QAo7E1BpBD9njweM2rNqekdRr1DdElzysZtfD4-RtP-8KnMtnxunr4EOGkzE2f0gd0DXC_/s1600/IMG_5341_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9mtKbTVRE6HirNvt-TFWWeFeUTFHKbY6fbOpv7z44Vrj4L1D6mqsG-5Q4Bo90ue4GkFXv7QAo7E1BpBD9njweM2rNqekdRr1DdElzysZtfD4-RtP-8KnMtnxunr4EOGkzE2f0gd0DXC_/s640/IMG_5341_3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />As I've <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/04/everyday-living-well-everyday-mr-darcy.html" target="_blank">mentioned</a>, I have a tradition of getting up early every morning <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/04/everyday-living-well-everyday-mr-darcy.html" target="_blank">to take our dog, Mr. Darcy, on a walk</a> for a little "Me & Mr." time before Mike leaves for work... funny, I always wanted to be that 'type' of person that got up early for a morning walk- little did I know that I all I had to be to become an early riser was to have a baby! <br /><br />I love this time of day when the air is a little chilly and crisp.  Before we head out the door, I prepare a thermos of coffee to take along.  A scoop of this vanilla sugar makes my day (...or coffee, at least).   As I sip that hot coffee with a subtle hint of real vanilla, it seems like the flowers smile as we walk by and the birds sing a little sweeter.  It is a great way to start the day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Esc_PIZN-KYXUBRxA2s4_uV3ZUkTxl1kRBmiBmVk9xd0wM3trRa58wuhT04shgdvijvnGUjUoMZAXXWGsXi70v2nyAOylZbde9E2pFrv2d91GwCUVMmXjGdaq7w-_37zbKYve6wdb0pB/s1600/IMG_5240_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Esc_PIZN-KYXUBRxA2s4_uV3ZUkTxl1kRBmiBmVk9xd0wM3trRa58wuhT04shgdvijvnGUjUoMZAXXWGsXi70v2nyAOylZbde9E2pFrv2d91GwCUVMmXjGdaq7w-_37zbKYve6wdb0pB/s640/IMG_5240_2.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />My favorite projects are simple tasks with minimal effort that have huge rewards.  We all remember the saying from when we were young, “A little effort can go a long way.”  Never has it been more true than with Vanilla Sugar and <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-syrup-vanilla-bean-simple-syrup.html" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean Syrup</a>.  The best example of this is putting a vanilla bean that has been scraped of its bean in a jar of sugar.  Simple.  From then on, when you use that special sugar (that took you seconds to put together) in your baking or your morning coffee, it will be extra special.  <br /><br /><br /><br />With only a couple vanilla beans and some sugar, you can create vanilla sugar that will bring the authentic vanilla bean aromatic to cookies, scones or creamy custards.  Use it in place of regular sugar in recipes that call for both sugar and vanilla extract.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibq-C7iF9thoJO_YFguLXNT3Qle6B5eOnE65dgutoulmC1HxbO0_oble9I2vaKu4Z3AxQm1Ci4_FjsJ4iUx6nzOvdue48zQzwAfkJ35VIOje0JdnOTnhiZmIXGQZfKJaBpbD3b-oSFIdej/s1600/IMG_5241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDD4aSNDr5MtJ0UCjS4TH7gmGWT9M0O_UBv6cmffmJ9jKqohKZ5RFQ1BeN4dxSDiGRUmqAFU6dIgA5I16UYcBcbEbnZKgaoEOLmKBHmHc-sH27Q8g-8HsU33kRs23JyeEFHKN_6yeIJEl/s1600/IMG_5241_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDD4aSNDr5MtJ0UCjS4TH7gmGWT9M0O_UBv6cmffmJ9jKqohKZ5RFQ1BeN4dxSDiGRUmqAFU6dIgA5I16UYcBcbEbnZKgaoEOLmKBHmHc-sH27Q8g-8HsU33kRs23JyeEFHKN_6yeIJEl/s640/IMG_5241_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />List of Ingredients:<br />    <br />    1 vanilla beans<br />    5 cups of sugar<br />    1 medium airtight canister<br />    <br />Directions:<br /><br />For the Vanilla Sugar, begin by scraping the seeds from one vanilla bean.  To do this, slice the vanilla bean in half, length wise.  Using your knife, run the blade down the center of half of the bean, scraping out the dark brown seeds from the pod.  Set the vanilla bean pod aside. Add the seeds to a food processor along with 2 cups of sugar.  Process the seeds and the sugar until you can see the small seeds evenly distributed.  Add the processed seeds and sugar to a medium canister.  Add 3 more cups of sugar and the scraped vanilla bean pods to the canister.  Place the airtight lid on, then shake the canister to mix the vanilla sugar with the regular sugar until well mixed.  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For the Vanilla Syrup directions, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/01/vanilla-syrup-vanilla-bean-simple-syrup.html" target="_blank">click here!</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KQ44xGP3d9Z-WZRfnsA3JAVM3zXS73MIxgn_kr0ggySq4QrrDOOgcMQYe1Qvct67bxvXzQ0yHM8Od_kYYE_HAoB3SJL3Xf-ZpIry05jh8Q6qcJoeMixmDTrqoIprY_kjnLGUtDEdLuUf/s1600/baking.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KQ44xGP3d9Z-WZRfnsA3JAVM3zXS73MIxgn_kr0ggySq4QrrDOOgcMQYe1Qvct67bxvXzQ0yHM8Od_kYYE_HAoB3SJL3Xf-ZpIry05jh8Q6qcJoeMixmDTrqoIprY_kjnLGUtDEdLuUf/s640/baking.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>For more baking pantry inspiration - see my mini <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/05/baking-pantry-in-cabinet.html" target="_blank">Baking Pantry Upgrade</a>... it will make you want to head to The Container Store!

Vanilla Sugar - Baking Pantry Essential

As I've mentioned , I have a tradition of getting up early every morning to take our dog, Mr. Darcy, on a walk for a little "Me ...

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Meringues on Warm Vanilla Bean Custard with Raspberries | Valentine's Day Dessert

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW5x2oAVrJYMqOTUedTCwdRYHJKS2Ll7hCsQOpgyLN63n2goDOt_YMaXTiF9URtnR3aRnJjUebIxiht0RYneGvIzs28cjaCIS7g009bEcottglb96iT_nD29RdJM1U3YtW47Mkw1woXo/s1600/IMG_1611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcW5x2oAVrJYMqOTUedTCwdRYHJKS2Ll7hCsQOpgyLN63n2goDOt_YMaXTiF9URtnR3aRnJjUebIxiht0RYneGvIzs28cjaCIS7g009bEcottglb96iT_nD29RdJM1U3YtW47Mkw1woXo/s640/IMG_1611.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuya7qkpktS5iv8dhVf-Tv6Hlj55u0LQUuHU0r1MB19CQ-so26YQB0ypJ5lkAibE-1rwQZ6J36HQV_YVY6gFWUqDAE3vrvdh6I_cMZoQYTry7UgmDWXA3A0i_RSPWX89fBMZ3fi00dmc/s1600/IMG_1615.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuya7qkpktS5iv8dhVf-Tv6Hlj55u0LQUuHU0r1MB19CQ-so26YQB0ypJ5lkAibE-1rwQZ6J36HQV_YVY6gFWUqDAE3vrvdh6I_cMZoQYTry7UgmDWXA3A0i_RSPWX89fBMZ3fi00dmc/s640/IMG_1615.jpg" width="426" /></a> The obvious choice for Valentine's Day is chocolate.  Creamy, smooth and fluffy meringues served on warm Vanilla Bean Custard will be a welcome surprise to your sweetheart.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Meringues on Warm Vanilla Bean Custard</span><br /><i>with Raspberries<br /></i><br /><br />2 egg yolks<br />1 cup of light cream<br />1/4 cup of sugar<br />1 vanilla bean<br />1 teaspoon of vanilla extract<br /><br />2 egg whites<br />1/2 cup of sugar<br />1 pinch of cream of tarter<br /><br />1 pint of Berries for serving<br /><br />To make vanilla cream, whisk together egg yolks, cream, 1/4 cup of sugar, seeds from one vanilla bean and vanilla extract.  Cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.  Remove from heat and set aside.   <br /><br />To make meringues, in the top bowl of a double boiler (glass bowl sitting on a sauce pan with simmering water), whisk together egg whites, sugar and cream of tarter.  Cook mixture in the double boiler over medium low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until sugar has dissolved.  If you rub the mixture between your fingers, you should be able to tell if the sugar has dissolved.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9PD3Pw_C5PrR9EZjrGRTiRXwhyphenhyphenfqRbTJX0grBUP6PedFPJFeoKs0Ob4s4PRVCmLsqlBdonLqsl42PA4TypnD1r6K_2hwMQxvF-6fm_AmBVgSTXYCv6IY5R41qN9h0EHagYG1HI0Jvkk/s1600/IMG_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9PD3Pw_C5PrR9EZjrGRTiRXwhyphenhyphenfqRbTJX0grBUP6PedFPJFeoKs0Ob4s4PRVCmLsqlBdonLqsl42PA4TypnD1r6K_2hwMQxvF-6fm_AmBVgSTXYCv6IY5R41qN9h0EHagYG1HI0Jvkk/s640/IMG_1618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>  <br />Transfer the mixture to your mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.  Whisk on high for 7-10 minutes.  The mixture will cool and froth into a thick meringue as it whips.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyrkis6MCmFyvuYUhcNPXHzLmZCj3_clEvFGiNzxhZ5P-LriO0ZPX-2KD9ucbxm5vZRXTu3UkpfZXnkVxiK0JV_sxQQom_lq7647d9cBzxaYCem61vy2nCFWOpCESb7eEi1y_NlpTa7A/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyrkis6MCmFyvuYUhcNPXHzLmZCj3_clEvFGiNzxhZ5P-LriO0ZPX-2KD9ucbxm5vZRXTu3UkpfZXnkVxiK0JV_sxQQom_lq7647d9cBzxaYCem61vy2nCFWOpCESb7eEi1y_NlpTa7A/s640/IMG_1612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5WGq8rBagj5wutUg5uwfLbieRimLs_jq_9se8cti008VIDAgrmGOEWu0VkEtcsvNXkIEF03PfIisk6aa467Tq_NqwjsuMfwmP5BQeBEveK62kGzLQBjqte5qanvYVQGSnb1xJSsYP9Q/s1600/IMG_1604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOjJlVDljzUBW0YNQOXK7O1VRWRcscNv9tV-1G9KtvPpeGkacVe1cR70BPn7EsxS69PhVRRq-NDFrDzJTmjkF-PJc0zaO3raPl511hIDr50KoxHlRWQrFbyGLeZvep9Xpgal8DJjWTfk/s1600/IMG_1597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOjJlVDljzUBW0YNQOXK7O1VRWRcscNv9tV-1G9KtvPpeGkacVe1cR70BPn7EsxS69PhVRRq-NDFrDzJTmjkF-PJc0zaO3raPl511hIDr50KoxHlRWQrFbyGLeZvep9Xpgal8DJjWTfk/s640/IMG_1597.jpg" width="426" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_i8mAr-6vrpYOWoIVfLNwRdevWBLQ6YveCRN_o1uzq_Yx36Y5kptdsh4qLK9LL7JId9kj0_RvvDqAMydWEOqs6TqgtaG4gIFZ8RQ6x72tSrQYdcycAWhxea9INnLZ0SAAzoA3yw67boA/s1600/IMG_1597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Dollop a scoop of the mixture onto each dessert plate shaping them into hearts.  You may use a pastry bag to make the heart shapes more perfect.  Toast the meringues with a mini torch, or place them on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.  Pour vanilla cream (still warm, or heated in the microwave) around clouds and top with berries. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YLMVXif7haCur3y0Lqoh7tIE5Pu3UySy-NwLc8UL-shyphenhyphenUGrL7JsCD5amw7Vo02Vf8VjBD9g9DMR4oOQYrBtlU21jWeNozVWUa_uPR26kGL45LGRpr970okjeOcSVyBiWTxufk9_rjsI/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YLMVXif7haCur3y0Lqoh7tIE5Pu3UySy-NwLc8UL-shyphenhyphenUGrL7JsCD5amw7Vo02Vf8VjBD9g9DMR4oOQYrBtlU21jWeNozVWUa_uPR26kGL45LGRpr970okjeOcSVyBiWTxufk9_rjsI/s640/IMG_1596.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div id="PageDiv" style="position:relative; min-height:100%; margin:auto; width:1100px"> <div id="pinliketweetfollow" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:0px; width:505px; height:121px; z-index:1"> <img alt="pinliketweetfollow" border="0" height="119" src="Resources/pinliketweetfoll.jpeg" style="position:relative; top:2px; float:left" usemap="#map1" width="505"/><br /> </div> <map id="map1" name="map1"><br /> <area alt="twitterlogo1" coords="285,42,345,103" href="http://twitter.com/#!/jennysteffens"/><br /> <area alt="rsslogo1a1" coords="409,43,468,104" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/JennySteffens"/><br /> <area alt="images1a" coords="164,43,224,103" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Everyday-Occasions-by-Jenny-Steffens-Hobick/158431867535965"/><br /> <area alt="pinit" coords="33,39,101,101" href="http://pinterest.com/jennysteffens/"/><br /> </map><br /></div><script src='http://files.go2web20.net/twitterbadge/1.0/badge.js' type='text/javascript'></script><script type='text/javascript' charset='utf-8'><!-- tfb.account = 'JennySteffens'; 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Meringues on Warm Vanilla Bean Custard with Raspberries | Valentine's Day Dessert

The obvious choice for Valentine's Day is chocolate.  Creamy, smooth and fluffy meringues served on warm Vanilla Bean Custard will be a...

Read more »

Vanilla Syrup | Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCjZUD5XWf3pZO7lcP_g2Pvu4RHccx0HAgwX2wxEgTn-YuHe9qH9AlLutX2aIhZPXcBuw8EuDB8AfS2sDJOVG3bjDXj9AkwC4lST3NJBsZS6yMmDnJuph74mdlICdk2uGIU-lIKhMOQc/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCjZUD5XWf3pZO7lcP_g2Pvu4RHccx0HAgwX2wxEgTn-YuHe9qH9AlLutX2aIhZPXcBuw8EuDB8AfS2sDJOVG3bjDXj9AkwC4lST3NJBsZS6yMmDnJuph74mdlICdk2uGIU-lIKhMOQc/s640/IMG_1209.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lately I've been obsessed with Vanilla.  Not just any vanilla, but real vanilla from vanilla beans.  I think it all started when we made a creamy vanilla custard on Christmas Day for dessert.  I couldn't stop licking the bowl.  I could not stop.  Yesterday, I made a Vanilla Cream Sauce with Meringue Clouds for a dessert feature I was working on for another blog for which I contribute (I'll share the photos and link shortly).  There is something about cooked vanilla that sends me into a tizzy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWjU8krrzNA0J5n04nM7Iq1o81JrD-pTqgqPMsl9rysbKA8rP6I-_UiS6XyUMljcdAs9jF-7H7DQE1l5L7CfY0HtzAjV1vnPbAoGF8LAR7m5w7n_M_LIlpt7GVi0HCnuAZrXcT1LQJFc/s1600/002Natasha%2527s+Mulberry+%2526+Mott.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWjU8krrzNA0J5n04nM7Iq1o81JrD-pTqgqPMsl9rysbKA8rP6I-_UiS6XyUMljcdAs9jF-7H7DQE1l5L7CfY0HtzAjV1vnPbAoGF8LAR7m5w7n_M_LIlpt7GVi0HCnuAZrXcT1LQJFc/s640/002Natasha%2527s+Mulberry+%2526+Mott.JPG" width="426" /></a>With my new found obsession with all things vanilla, I thought I'd try some vanilla coffee K-Cups... after all, I love vanilla lattes.  Nope.  I should have known!  The "French Vanilla" flavor was nothing like the warm flavor of real vanilla.  Suddenly, I remembered an amazing vanilla bean syrup I put in my latte at Natasha's Mulberry & Mott in Kansas City (left : photo of her peppermint & orange syrup).  So, this morning I made a batch of Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup to accompany morning coffee... it was everything I hoped it would be!  Real, warm, slightly sweet vanilla.  Ummmm.  <span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup</span><i><br />warm fuzzy in a bottle</i><br /><br />2 cups of sugar<br />2 cups of water<br />1 vanilla bean <br /><br />Scrape the beans from the vanilla bean.  In a saucepan, mix together sugar, water and seeds from the vanilla bean.  Cook on low heat until it simmers.  Cook for 8-10 minutes until the liquid has reduced.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NUAr0SY9p7K3u2pJvf-LUxyL0AetPBPvaGLhNyAyXL19JZYIqBY35guDcZhvshJJTttO6oh0Dvldc7UH9t_AHtyVgDUAMFbF-SAHRIQPGo0opR0fR_9RdBn_I1u3nUXnYE-OWA-6bs/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5NUAr0SY9p7K3u2pJvf-LUxyL0AetPBPvaGLhNyAyXL19JZYIqBY35guDcZhvshJJTttO6oh0Dvldc7UH9t_AHtyVgDUAMFbF-SAHRIQPGo0opR0fR_9RdBn_I1u3nUXnYE-OWA-6bs/s640/IMG_1207.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Cooking in the saucepan with the bean seeds and the bean.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Gc8i4jX0mV5vNIEbOKvao9L3trsl3DxmDM9SidT1n7w1RHaATVKetoznDl_0TM5pDHdoVd8SivgVGl1FhqK4UIiRyL9xsx1hutljJA5DoRjCajG-iAveigTx7NoI4tmcCZfjdIjpho/s1600/IMG_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9Gc8i4jX0mV5vNIEbOKvao9L3trsl3DxmDM9SidT1n7w1RHaATVKetoznDl_0TM5pDHdoVd8SivgVGl1FhqK4UIiRyL9xsx1hutljJA5DoRjCajG-iAveigTx7NoI4tmcCZfjdIjpho/s640/IMG_1213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bottled up!

Vanilla Syrup | Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup

Lately I've been obsessed with Vanilla.  Not just any vanilla, but real vanilla from vanilla beans.  I think it all started when we mad...

Read more »