Vanilla extract (cookies, broil, vodka, bread)

[snowmountains]

What exactly is the flavor or taste of vanilla extract? Somehow, a tiny drop seems to make big difference, so it's kinda miracle I can't say what it tastes like, but after I add a single drop in my mocha, it tastes like what it should, unlike before.

Any by the way, I'm new to using vanilla extract, so am not sure how much to use, and what food to add it. Beside cookies (which I don't make), drinks, what else can I use it to enhance the flavor?

[Gerania]

It tastes like...vanilla. What sort of answer are you looking for?

[Hedgehog_Mom]

Vanilla goes into many desserts or baked goods.

If you've only had imitation vanilla extract, buy some real vanilla extract. It's worth the extra expense.

[bg7]

It tastes like vanilla, more intensely.


Anyhoo,....
put a drop of it in the bowl when you are whisking up some whipped cream. Put some in the milk and egg for your French toast along with whatever you like (nutmeg, cinnamon)

[Chaofan]

When you make cinnamon toast, mix the cinnamon, sugar, and butter together and add some vanilla, then spread it on the bread and put it under the broiler. Be careful not to taste the vanilla-flavored cinnamon-sugar butter by itself. It's like crack. You'll just end up eating it all right out of the bowl and never get your cinnamon toast.


Vanilla is a miracle flavor. Try some in your hot cocoa or chocolate milk.

[Kaphawoman]

Vanilla ice cream.

[maggie2101]

I put some in my chocolate buttercream frosting.

[ABQConvict]

One of my biggest pet peeves is people who use the word 'vanilla' to describe something plain.

[randomparent]

Make your own. Split open a couple of beans, and scrape out the seeds. Put everything, seeds and beans into a cup of vodka or rum, and put it in a dark cabinet. Every couple of days, gently shake the bottle to stir up the contents. The flavor will grow more intense over time. It's heavenly stuff, and once you've tasted it, you'll never want to use a commercial brand again.

[shellymdnv]

I would almost compare vanilla extract to salt in that it enhances the overall flavor of a dish but on it's own there isn't much that you can say to describe it other than naming the taste.