http://amybayliss.com/2012/03/vanilla-sugar-recipe-pantry-essentials/
Vanilla sugar

Split the vanilla bean down the center then vertically then cut the bean in half to fit in the jar. Add to the jar.
Pour the sugar over the beans.
Shake well.
Allow the vanilla to permeate the sugar for at least two days before succumbing to the temptation to try it.

Cut one with a knife the long way, then put it in a (corked) bottle filled with vodka. Let it sit for months- home-made vanilla extract!

I tend to use vanilla beans most frequently in liquid mixtures, like creme anglaise or custard-based ice creams. But I also sometimes add vanilla bean scrapings to shortbread cookie dough, or when browning butter if a recipe calls for browned butter, or even to butter used for sauteeing pears or apples. And don't throw the pods - stick them in a jar of sugar for your own vanilla-scented sugar. Even if you steep the pods in a liquid, you can wash, dry and add them to the jar of sugar.
If all of this seems too tedious and you prefer the ease of using vanilla extract, you can make your own using the beans.
http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2009/02/homemade_vanilla_extract.php

Vanilla can be used in anything. Cake, pudding, coffee creamer, jellies and then use the pod to make vanilla extract.

Food blogs I like, that use vanilla-

http://www.eatingfromthegroundup.com/

http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/

Http:/www.foodinjars.com/

Bought for first time ever. Always looks so cool on tv. What should I do with them? Thinking of an arborio rice pudding with intense vanilla flavor. Vanilla sugar? How do you use it? Need some fun, yummy, and easy ideas.