Vanilla Pods Ripening.

Here Goes, Starting Vanilla Ripening Process.

Pods have been dipped in 150 degree F water and now kept warm. Picture by John Rose.

Vanilla vine
ripening last
season’s pods,
Checking each day,
Found two
naughty pods
hiding today,
Obviously hopeless
rank amateur
vanilla looker-after’er,
Brimming over
with enthusiasm!

Dipped two pods
150 degree water,
Starts enzyme action,
Now keeping warm
under LED lights,
While organising
lizard’s old
heating mat for
jury-rigged
pod warmer in
finest Aussie
scrounger tradition!

Middle son and I
enjoying fresh
rich black coffee,
Pontificating over
vanilla recipes,
Crème brûlée
gained favour
on third cup,
Son insists
he does cooking
given my
previous effort,
Some people
never forget.