Q: I just used a vanilla bean for the first time in my cooking (vanilla peach pie with homemade vanilla whipped cream). I put it back in its jar and sealed it again. It smells so good, it seems like a waste to just throw away. I was wondering if there is any good use for the pod after I've scraped all the seeds out?Sent by Amy
Editor: Amy, one simple way to use it is to bury it in a small container of white sugar. The vanilla will scent and flavor the sugar. It's lovely stir a bit of this vanilla sugar into coffee, or to sprinkle it on oatmeal. You can also simmer the pod with some pudding, or, again, in oatmeal.