Rodelle Vanilla Beans

There are few smells as divine as vanilla, nothing compares to the rich aroma.  When I was presented with the opportunity to review Rodelle's Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans I was beyond delighted!

When I received the beans, delicately wrapped in beautiful golden paper, I found that they were enclosed in a glass tube, protecting them from the elements.  I felt like I had received a gift!  It took me a while to decide what I wanted to make, what would really showcase the wonderful vanilla flavor.  ICE CREAM!

Rodelle has been making high quality vanilla products since 1936, so they know what they're doing! Before I could begin, I had to do a little research on how to accurately extract the beans from the pod.  Naturally, they had a video for my learning pleasure, not sure that I've mastered it quite yet, but I'm working on it!

Here's a simple and easy recipe for billowy, soft, vanilla bean ice cream:

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

1 cup of brown sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 cup of half and half
3/4 cups of heavy cream
Seeds from a whole vanilla bean pod

In a medium sauce pan mix together sugar, eggs, and half and half.  Simmer for two minutes or more.  Remove from heat.

Strain the mixture to get any clumps out.  Pour into a bowl.  Mix in heavy cream and the vanilla beans.

Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the machine's instructions. 

When the ice cream is done, it should have a smooth, creamy consistency, and a taste that could only have been created in heaven!

You can buy Rodelle products in the store or direct from their website. Follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook for cool recipe ideas.

Take the Rodelle Challenge! 

From October 1st through December 25th, Rodelle is challenging bakers from far and wide to share their baking moments on Rodelle's Facebook page.  Three grand prize winners will receive a KitchenAid® mixer and a years supply of Rodelle baking products. Three runner-ups will receive a years supply of Rodelle baking products as well.  The winners will be announced on New Years Day 2012. Get creative and show Rodelle what you can do!

I was provided with a free sample Rodelle Vanilla Beans.  I was not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are the opinion of Just Say I Told You So!