To cut a vanilla bean, you first split it lengthwise and then scrape out the seeds.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Prepare Your Work Area: Place the vanilla bean on a clean cutting board.
- Make the Initial Cut: Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, starting from one end and going to the other. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to split the bean open like a book.
- Scrape the Seeds: Open the split vanilla bean. Using the back (flat edge) of your knife, gently scrape out the black vanilla seeds from the inside of both halves. These seeds are where most of the flavor is concentrated.
- Use the Pod (Optional): The vanilla bean pod itself still contains flavor. You can add it to milk or cream while simmering to infuse the liquid with vanilla flavor. Remove the pod before using the milk or cream.
