Vanilla Sugar

This is something that is always good to have on hand.

4 cups of sugar
1 vanilla bean

Pour sugar into a large, clean jar with a tight fitting lid. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slit the vanilla bean lengthwise. Place both halves into the sugar. Place the lid on your jar and shake making sure both halves of the vanilla been is covered with sugar. Store in a cool dry place for 2 weeks before using. This will keep indefinitely. It's great added to coffee, sprinkled over toast, fruit, oatmeal and even hot chocolate. (The bean isn't easily found in your local grocery store but can usually be found in specialty stores that carry bulk herbs and spices.)