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Questions tagged [vanilla]

Vanilla may refer to either the bean / pod of specific types of orchids, or flavoring derived from those pods. Use this tag for questions about selecting, identifying, storing, preparing, replacing or cooking with vanilla as a star ingredient. Questions about dishes which include vanilla, but are not focused on vanilla, should not use this tag.

Vanilla may refer to either the bean / pod of specific types of orchids, or flavoring derived from those pods. Use this tag for questions about selecting, identifying, storing, preparing, replacing or cooking with vanilla as a star ingredient. Questions about dishes which include vanilla, but are not focused on vanilla, should not use this tag.

70 questions
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What is the functional difference between imitation vanilla and true vanilla extract?

When baking or using vanilla, most recipes call for vanilla extract. In the supermarket you can find imitation vanilla flavoring for less money. Obviously the imitation is meant to be as close to the real thing as possible, but: Is there a…
JYelton
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Does vanilla really bring out the flavour of other foods?

I can't count the times I have heard that vanilla brings out the flavour of other foods. For example it "makes chocolate taste more chocolatey," etc... I have also heard that it's the only spice that does this (enhance the flavour of other…
Swoogan
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What is the difference between "vanilla" and "Mexican vanilla"

Some ice cream around here is marketed as the flavor "Mexican vanilla". It seems sweeter and has obvious vanilla seeds (or something that looks similar). Is there a type of vanilla pod that is uniquely Mexican? Or does the flavor mean "vanilla in a…
Sobachatina
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6 answers

What type of rum to use when making vanilla extract?

My mom just bought me some vanilla beans from Tahiti and said that the person she bought them from suggested using rum to make an extract. What type of rum should be used, white or dark rum, and is there a certain alcohol content that is needed to…
lemontwist
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2 answers

Vanilla extract with pure alcohol

Nearly every recipe for making vanilla extract suggests the use of Vodka, or an alternative alcoholic beverage with a high alcohol content (typically 35%+), such as Rum or Bourbon. However, the various recipes typically default to Vodka for its…
JJM Driessen
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5 answers

How to add bourbon flavor?

I’ve fermented two batches of sriracha, one in a small bourbon cask, the other in a mason jar. The bourbon cask fermented batch flavor is fantastic. The mason jar batch is tasty too. I’m curious how I might add some bourbon flavor to the mason jar…
beausmith
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2 answers

What are the advantages of vanilla sugar?

When/why would one use "vanilla sugar" instead of just plain sugar along with vanilla extract and/or beans/pods, particularly in recipes and baking? Is it just a matter of convenience? I understand that some people might actually like to have…
Athanasius
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Vanilla Extract Vodka Quality

Most of the recipes and guides I have read for making vanilla extract say to use cheap vodka or whatever is available; however, if I am going to have it on my shelf for the next few years, I want to make the best extract I possibly can. Is there any…
Tag
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Why non-flavored variant is usually vanilla?

Usually the "flavorless" version of various desserts or drinks is in fact vanilla flavored -- why not leaving the product just as it is, especially when the "flavoured" versions usually don't contain vanilla? Any why vanilla, not anything else?
user1566
8
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1 answer

How can vanilla essence and vanilla extract be used interchangeably?

This question has answers which explain the difference between vanilla essence and vanilla extract, and which tell you when you may want one over the other - if I am correct in thinking that "vanilla essence" is the same as "vanilla flavouring"? My…
Bluebelle
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4 answers

Why add vanilla extract after removal from the heat, and what about fake vanilla extract?

Recipes for pralines, for fudge, even for hot cocoa say to add vanilla extract only after removing the dish from the heat. Why? Does that apply to artificial vanilla extract also?
msh210
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What is the equivelant of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in Organic Vanilla Bean Paste, is it teaspoon for teaspoon?

I would like to start using Vanilla bean paste in some of my recipes. I usually use Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla extract and wondered if the measurement was the same i.e. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract = 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste. I thought I heard…
Pam Madden
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What makes bourbon a decent substitute for vanilla?

In the accepted answer to this question, it was said that bourbon can make a half-decent substitute for vanilla. I fail to understand how because the primary flavor component is vanillin and as far as i know, there is no vanillin in bourbon. What…
Dharini Chandrasekaran
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Can I use a flavored liqueur to make vanilla extract?

Is it possible to make the extract with Crème De Cacao instead of vodka? I ask because I have some Crème De Cacao that I used in making a Grasshopper pie, but it is only "17.5"% (35 proof)" I don't know if this will be strong enough to do a good…
joanne
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Can I filter out vanilla bean seeds?

When I scrape out the seeds out of my vanilla beans and simmer them with milk or incorporate them into batter, they always leave little tell-tale black dots in the finished product. Is it possible to filter them out somehow and is it something…
VoY
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