Intro

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Mother’s Day is approaching rapidly and while I’ve already unwrapped my present in the form of two beautiful and large vegetable beds that my sweet husband made for me, I have the perfect handmade gift for the mother who likes to spice things up in the kitchen.

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Vanilla Salt. It’s unique, incredibly easy to make (get the kids in on the action) and adds an exotic flavor to dishes – sweet and savory.

Simply combine the seeds from one vanilla bean with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Feel free to use more expensive salt here – like Fleur de Sel for example or Maldon if you really love Mom.

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Package in a sweet container and tie with a satin ribbon – trust me, she’ll appreciate it.

And if she asks, “What the heck do I do with Vanilla Salt?!”

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You kindly reply, “Well, my dear, you can add it to the top of your chocolate chip cookies just before baking, sprinkle it in your buttercream, add it to any baked good as a “regular” salt replacement, sprinkle on seared scallops or candied carrots, etc.”

Then she’ll hug you and kiss you and tell you that you’re the best there is. And then you’ll smile and nod.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you dear mothers out there. Our days are long, the snot is plentiful but the rewards are too many to count.

And to my dear mother who taught me to not only stop and smell the roses but to revel in how incredibly beautiful they are. You and your life are a reflection of His beauty. I love you.

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49 Responses to “Vanilla Salt : a homemade gift”

  1. Janna

    Gorgeous packaging, Ashley! We were just talking about bringing the vanilla salt back for a special package. 🙂

  2. alison

    Great idea and so simple! i LOVE it!!!! I think I will just make it for myself…my mom doesn’t cook 🙂

  3. Betsy

    Interesting idea, and a sweet post for your mom. The food you make is also a reflection of His beauty! Thanks for sharing it with us.

  4. The Housewife

    Vanilla Salt … that’s a very unique concept. I’ll admit I’m not used to vanilla as a savory flavoring (except on caramels!!!) but I have to give this a shot. It does sound good with carrots! 🙂

  5. Alyssa

    What a gorgeous idea! May I ask where you got the containers, or what brand they are? I’m a huge fan of homemade spice blends in general and they are SO perfect!

    • Ashley Rodriguez

      Alyssa,
      I got them from a place called Packaging Specialties in Seattle. You can also order from them online. They come in all different sizes.

  6. Connie

    What a brilliant concoction; the simplicity is beautiful. I’ve always felt fairly limited as to what to do with vanilla beyond the usual baking applications, but this gives me a new, refreshing perspective. Thanks for sharing this!

  7. Lynne Baron

    My dear daughter and Mother of two amazing grandsons!!

    Thank you so much for those kind words, and what a joy it is to

    watch you raise your children so beautifully!

    I love you and Happy Mother’s day to you.

    Love Mom

  8. Diana @ frontyardfoodie

    Wow! What a unique idea! I don’t think either of my mothers are quite that progressive cooking wise but once I have this baby I’ll be sure to have him read this post and give something like this to me some day for Mother’s Day. hehe

  9. Joanne

    What a beautiful heartfelt post and a great idea! I would never have thought of this…even if I thought for a million years!

  10. Aimee

    Gorgeous. Can I make some for myself? I’m thinking my cream scones would benefit from a generous sprinkling.

  11. Sara

    so sweet, and they are in such cute little jars! I’m very jealous of your vegetable beds, oh how i wish i had the space for that. Anxious to see pictures.

  12. deeba

    How absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful gift and so elegantly wrapped. The Mom in me leaps with joy reading your post! I have loads of vanilla beans, and I must make this soon. Have a good day!!

  13. valen

    Too bad my mother doesn’t cook. Otherwise I think this is a great gift. I certainly would love it!

  14. Amari @ Eat Chic

    What a creative idea! Not to mention the adorable packaging! I don’t know of many moms in my life that would be bold/creative enough to use vanilla salt in their cooking, so I may have to just make some for myself! Thanks for the idea!

  15. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking

    That’s a very interesting idea for a gift – I’m always looking around for homemade ideas. They’re cheaper, and most importantly, more thoughtful than anything you can buy in a store!

  16. Miss Anne

    Thanks – so simple to make, and it has the most bewitching aroma. so far, I’ve sprinkled it on carrot puree tartlets and little dulce de leche and fresh cream pies. Savoury and sweet. And it looks so pretty!

    • Ashley Rodriguez

      Miss Anne – I’m so glad you are enjoying it! It’s a simple ingredient that really “fancies” up a dish. Thanks for commenting.

  17. Michael

    Vanilla Salt, That is a fantastic idea… I have some family members that would go crazy over that……. thank you for posting this.

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  19. Amanda

    I am going to make this and give it as part of a food basket at thanksgiving for my hostess (my mother-in-law)!

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  22. janet

    It’s delicious on fresh mozzarella! my favorite lunch is pear slices with vanilla salted fresh mozzarella on finn crisp caraway crackers