FOUR SEASONS VANILLA SUGAR

Steps:

• Cut beans into one-inch lengths and combine with the superfine sugar in a food processor. Process, using a pulsing motion, until the beans are well chopped. The sugar will be coffee-colored. Transfer to an airtight jar and allow to sit for one week.
• Strain the sugar through a fine sieve, reserving the bean pieces to use in the same way again. The sugar will strain more easily if spread on a flat pan and dried in a turned-off oven or one with a pilot light for two or three hours. Do not let the temperature exceed about 100 degrees.
• Measure the strained sugar and combine with an equal amount of confectioners' sugar. Store in a tightly closed container and use in place of regular sugar whenever a strong vanilla flavor is desired. It is delicious with hot chocolate and on fresh fruits, crepes, waffles and french toast, as well as in baked goods.