Spice

13 Recipes That Let Vanilla Shine

September 28, 2017

What did vanilla do to deserve its lackluster reputation? It isn’t dull or humdrum! Quality vanilla is nuanced and layered. While Mexican vanilla tastes spicy and woody, vanilla from Madagascar is mild and balanced. Meanwhile, Tahitian vanilla brings floral notes to any dish.

Let's stop lumping vanilla together with boring and predictable. Choose recipes that celebrate vanilla's notes and let its flavor shine. Not sure where to start? Here are 13 vanilla-focused drinks and dishes. They're definitely not boring.

Are you a vanilla fan? Let us know your favorite way to use it in the comments!

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Katie is a food writer and editor who loves cheesy puns and cheesy cheese.

1 Comment

Fredrik B. September 29, 2017
Just a note, using vanilla extract or vanillin in baked goods is perfectly fine: Real vanilla contains hundreds of complex flavour compounds that tragically die when heated to such degrees. Use vanilla bean in your ice creams and your sauces, but save it when you're making a batch of cookies.