Vanilla Bean Syrup

Vanilla Bean Syrup

by | Nov 8, 2019 | CONDIMENTS AND SAUCES | 0 comments

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A small glass jar of Vanilla Bean Syrup resting in a wooden tray draped with a laced napkin.

Some of the simplest things are the most delicious. The combination of vanilla and sugar is just such an instance. This classic combo comes together as Vanilla Bean Syrup when you combine with water and give it a gentle simmer.

You might be asking what need you might have for this jar or aromatic sweetness? Let me give you plenty of reasons. One of my favourites is to flavour specialty coffee and teas like my Baileys London Fog. There’s no need to spend copious amounts of money at a fancy coffee shop when you can make your favourites at home. My second favourite way to use it is for brushing onto cakes. It adds tremendous moisture and flavour to cake layers or the tops of sweet loaves. But the list is longer yet, drizzle it onto fruit salad, ricotta pancakes, plain yogurt with fruit (that way you control the sugar), smoothies and cocktails. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Syrup resting in a wooden tray lined with a laced napkin and a stainless steel pot sits in the background.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Vanilla Bean Syrup
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    2/3 cup 10 minutes
    Cook Time
    5 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    2/3 cup 10 minutes
    Cook Time
    5 minutes
    Vanilla Bean Syrup
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      2/3 cup 10 minutes
      Cook Time
      5 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      2/3 cup 10 minutes
      Cook Time
      5 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: cup
      Instructions
      1. Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out seeds with a small spoon or knife.
      2. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until mixture comes to a simmer and sugar is fully dissolved, stirring often. Once at a simmer, cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla beans.
      3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature and then refridgerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 month.

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      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Baileys London Fog

      Baileys London Fog

      by | Oct 25, 2019 | BEVERAGES | 0 comments

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      Baileys London Fog served in a glass mug resting on a silver tray lined with a blue napkin and garnished with cookies.

      Maybe we’ve been doing it all wrong?  I think it’s safe to say that if you like coffee you’ve probably had it spiked with Baileys Irish Cream.  But it’s generally not something we think to pour into our tea.  So I’ve gone ahead and not only added Baileys Irish Cream, but also Grand Marnier to a London fog latte.  It’s really quite delicious!! 

      Ingredients for Baileys London Fog on a silver tray lined with a blue napkin.

      The Baileys Irish Cream smooths out the tannins of the tea and adds an extra layer of creaminess while the Grand Marnier plays off the orange notes already found in the Earl Grey tea.  So go ahead, relax and enjoy your favourite London fog latte at home… but with a punch.  You’ll wonder why you haven’t done it sooner. Enjoy! 

      Authour:  Compelled to Cook

      Baileys London Fog
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        2 servings 15 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        2 servings 15 minutes
        Baileys London Fog
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          2 servings 15 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          2 servings 15 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: servings
          Instructions
          1. Brew one cup of strong Earl Grey tea by steeping 2 tea bags for 5 minutes.
          2. Heat and froth milk using your preferred method. I used an electric milk frother.
          3. Divide Baileys Irish Cream and Grand Marnier between two tall coffee glasses.
          4. Add 1 tsp of vanilla syrup to each.
          5. Add 1/2 cup of hot tea to each glass and stir.
          6. Top up the glass with an approximate 1/4 cup of hot milk and additional milk froth.
          7. Serve immediately.
          Recipe Notes

          -You can use purchased vanilla syrup.

          -Make your own vanilla syrup by bringing a 1/2 cup of sugar and a 1/2 cup of water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Remove from heat and add 2 tsp vanilla extract or fresh vanilla beans from 1/2 a vanilla pod.  Allow to cool and then strain if using fresh vanilla beans.

          -If no vanilla syrup is possible, sweeten to taste with sugar and add a splash of vanilla extract.

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          Affiliate Disclosure

          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Magic Hour Cocktail

          Magic Hour Cocktail

          by | Oct 27, 2018 | BEVERAGES | 0 comments

          Treats aren’t just for kids on Halloween!!  Adults need a little fun too and I was dying to try my hand at a spooky theme.  The Magic Hour Cocktail is a creamy, orange delight that tastes a lot like a creamsicle, ahem… like a “treat” Fun and delicious to shake up when the adult goblins come knocking on your door.

          You’ll also love that this delightful orange vodka cocktail is dairy free. Yup, it’s coconut milk that makes it creamy and a little frothy.  A splash of vanilla syrup makes it extra dreamy and easy to drink.

          Orange vodka is not a normal item tucked away in my liquor cabinet, it was a gift from my brother.  One day he just shows up with it, I think as a “thank you” for something my husband helped him with.  My memory fails me a little, but I’m guessing he won it or was gifted it himself, as he’s just not an orange vodka kinda guy, nor have I ever indicated I wanted or needed orange vodka.  But in the end, he gifted it to us…lucky me I’d say.  It’s not just any vodka either, but Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka.  Once he gets a taste of this tasty cocktail, he’ll wish he’d kept it for himself.  Enjoy!

          Recipe source for Magic Hour Cocktail adapted just slightly from:  Grey Goose Magic Hour Cocktail

          Magic Hour Cocktail
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            1 cocktail 15 minutes
            Cook Time Passive Time
            5 minutes 20 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            1 cocktail 15 minutes
            Cook Time Passive Time
            5 minutes 20 minutes
            Magic Hour Cocktail
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              1 cocktail 15 minutes
              Cook Time Passive Time
              5 minutes 20 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              1 cocktail 15 minutes
              Cook Time Passive Time
              5 minutes 20 minutes
              Ingredients
              Vanilla Syrup
              Cocktail
              Servings: cocktail
              Instructions
              Vanilla Syrup
              1. Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan and heat to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Once it reaches a full boil and sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and allow to cool. Makes 1/2 cup syrup, or enough for 8 cocktails if using 1/2 ounce per. Will keep several weeks chilled in an airtight container.
              Cocktail
              1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake until very cold, about 30 seconds. Strain into glasses and garnish with orange zest if desired. Serve immediately.