Vanilla sugar

Vanilla sugar is a commonly used ingredient in many European desserts.

[1] Pre-packaged vanilla sugar can be costly and difficult to obtain outside Europe but can be made at home.

Sometimes it can be replaced with vanilla extract, where one teaspoon equals one package.

However, when it is needed as a topping, vanilla extract is unsuitable.

It can also be made by adding 1 to 2 whole vanilla beans to an airtight jar with 200 to 400 g (1 to 2 cups) of white sugar, and aging the mixture for two weeks; the sugar can be replaced as it is used.