It’s not just for dessert anymore. Vanilla is one of the most ubiquitous flavors in the world, used in a variety of dishes, from ice cream to vegetable dishes. But did you know that you can use vanilla in more ways than just desserts? In this article, we’ll uncover the many different ways that you can sweeten your life beyond just traditional desserts with the delightful and unmistakable flavor of vanilla.
1. Introduction to Vanilla
Vanilla is one of the world’s most beloved and versatile flavors. It can take many forms, from fragrant fresh vanilla beans to potent extracts, and there’s no limit to its uses! From classic cookies and custards to trendy shakes and smoothies, vanilla adds an unmistakably sweet taste to any dish.
But there’s more to this bendy flavor than just desserts. From breakfast to dinner, find out how to add a subtle yet satisfying vanilla note to any recipe. Here, we’ll explore the different forms of vanilla, offer inspiring ideas to celebrate its flavors, and provide essential tips for buying and storing.
- Pure Vanilla Beans: A fragrant, flavorful alternative to extracts and powders, pure vanilla beans are harvested from the flowers of an orchid plant. Steep in liquid for a host of desserts, drinks, and savory dishes.
- Vanilla Extracts: An irreplaceable baking ingredient, extracts are made by macerating ingredients, such as beans, in a liquid and straining out the solids. Choose between pure, imitation, and different types of extract.
- Vanilla Powders: Similar to vanilla extract in flavor but ground to a powder, this dried form of vanilla is often used in recipes where a liquid is out of the question. Use to flavor hot drinks, sprinkle on top of ice cream, or mix with sugar for a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes.
- Vanilla Syrups: With a stronger flavor and a thicker consistency than extracts, syrups are great for adding a pop of sweetness to shakes or cocktails. Look for higher-grade syrups to enjoy the fullest spectrum of vanilla flavor.
However you choose to use it, getting the clarity of pure, real flavor with every bite will give your dishes and drinks that unmistakable vanilla edge. Perfect to pair with spices, fruits, and other flavor combinations, use vanilla to sweeten your life beyond desserts.
2. How Vanilla Enhances Savory Dishes
Savory Dishes
Believe it or not, vanilla has its place in savory dishes as well! While this might come as a surprise, the subtle sweetness of vanilla can liven up even the most mundane of dishes. Adding just a Jessica drop to a marinade, a tomato-based spaghetti sauce, a slow-cooked dish, or any rich gravy can take a dish from basic to extraordinary. Not sure where to start? Try one of these recipes that include vanilla in their savory dishes.
- Pesto Chicken and Veggie Penne with Tomatoes and Pecorino Romano
- Indonesian Tempeh Curry with White Rice
- Tandoori Masala-Marinated Salmon
- Mexican Veggie Soup with Roasted Tomato and Corn Salad
It might seem counterintuitive to add a seemingly sweet ingredient such as vanilla extract to savory dishes, but trust us, the combination really works. The hints of vanilla in savory recipes enhances the richness of a dish without overwhelming the palate. Remember, a little goes a long way, so opt to use one teaspoon of vanilla extract or one pod of vanilla bean to 1-2 gallons of marinade or sauce.
Speaking of vanilla beans, did you know they last up to 1-2 years kept in the freezer? This means you can buy them in bulk, save them, and whip them out from time to time for the perfect boost to your favorite dish. For an unforgettable savory experience, try adding one teaspoon of freshly scraped vanilla bean to a weeknight dinner when you’re looking for something a bit special.
3. Naturally Sweeten Your Life with Vanilla
Healthy Sweetness. The natural sweetness of vanilla makes it an excellent choice for healthier desserts and baked goods. Vanilla can even be added to savory dishes to create complex flavors. Use it in dishes such as curries, stews, and chili, providing an additional layer of flavor without adding any fat or sugar.
Add Complexity. When used in baked goods, vanilla can help to create an even more complex flavor. Adding a vanilla bean paste to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods can give them an extra hint of complexity, allowing them to stand out on their own. Vanilla bean paste can also be used in other recipes, such as sauces and glazes, for an added layer of flavor.
More Than Just Desserts. Vanilla isn’t just for desserts or baked goods–it can also be added to other foods. Add a hint of vanilla to your morning cereal or smoothie for a subtly sweet flavor. Or, sprinkle a bit of vanilla extract into your oatmeal for added flavor until the next morning.
Drink It Up! Vanilla can also be used to make drinks that are both refreshing and sweet. Try adding a touch of vanilla bean paste to coffee for a richer flavor. Or, create a delicious vanilla limeade by infusing vanilla extract into the juice.
- Add a hint of vanilla to savory dishes for a complex flavor.
- Add vanilla bean paste to cakes, cookies, and other baked goods for an extra hint of complexity.
- Sprinkle a bit of vanilla extract into oatmeal and morning cereals for a subtly sweet flavor.
- Add a touch of vanilla bean paste to coffee for a richer flavor.
- Infuse vanilla extract into limeade for a delicious twist.
Vanilla is naturally sweet, making it a great option when looking for healthier and more flavorful sweeteners. This fragrant and versatile ingredient can be used beyond desserts to add complexity and depth to savory dishes, cereal, and drinks, creating unique and delicious flavors. So, don’t confine yourself to just using vanilla in desserts. Unleash its flavorful potential beyond the typical treats to naturally sweeten your life!
4. The Versatility of Vanilla in Beverages
Vanilla may be best known for its role in baking, but its delicious flavor can be enjoyed in a multitude of beverages as well. The versatility of vanilla is fully realized when utilizing its savory taste in many different types of drinks.
Sodas and Cocktails
Vanilla-flavored sodas and carbonated drinks offer a sparkling, invigorating twist on classic bubbly concoctions. These can easily be crafted with a simple splash of one of these nutrient-rich drinks. Additionally, cocktails can be transformed via the addition of a splash of yummy vanilla. Vodka martinis, margaritas, and mojitos are even more appealing when you add some sweetness to the mix.
Coffees and Teas
A favorite hot drink can be made even hotter with a couple drops of vanilla. This most likely will not only be enjoyed for its flavor, but the aroma too. Similarly, a delicious iced-coffee can appreciate an added hint of vanilla for an extra sweet kick. For tea- lovers, nothing is more calming than a cup of hot tea with a hint of vanilla. It is like a hug in a cup.
Smoothies and Milkshakes
Some smoothies or milkshakes will be enhanced with the addition of vanilla. Smoothies already come with a plethora of flavors blended together, and many of them can benefit from the onboard flavor of vanilla. Adding a little liquid vanilla extract to any type of smoothie will help bring its jumble of flavors together. In terms of milkshakes, adding rich and creamy vanilla extract to your favorite mix can bring any milkshake to a whole other level.
Other Beverages
Vanilla can also be added to multiple other beverages like lemonade, hot chocolate, and even alcoholic drinks. Take classic lemonade, for example. Vanilla added to it can give it a unique and exciting flavor. Hot chocolate also can be enhanced with a drop of vanilla to provide an extra layer of sweetness. In terms of different alcoholic drinks, many rum-based beverages utilize vanilla for extra flavor and sweetness. Try different combinations to find what satisfies your taste the most.
With the multitude of ways you can use vanilla in drinks, you cannot go wrong. Incorporating a little bit of this delightful flavor does not only sweeten drinks, but can make each drink unique and exciting. It makes every drink that much more amazing.
5. DIY Vanilla Infusions
Vanilla is a culinary must-have, with its sweet, warm flavor making an appearance in everything from cookies to ice cream. But vanilla goes beyond desserts — the vanilla bean itself offers a unique flavor that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance savory dishes, drinks, and even household products!
If you want to get creative with vanilla, try these five DIY infusions. Each one adds a hint of sweetness to whatever you choose to add it to!
- Vodka Infusion: Pop some fresh vanilla beans directly into a bottle of vodka and let sit for a few weeks. You can use this to add a hint of sweetness to your favorite cocktail.
- Coffee Infusion: Steep a split vanilla bean in a jar of cold brew coffee overnight and you’ll have a delicious vanilla-flavored coffee in the morning!
- Oil Infusion: Heat some vegetable oil in a pot on the stove then add some split vanilla beans. Let the beans simmer in the oil for a few minutes and your oil will be packed with flavor!
- Butter Infusion: Put a split vanilla bean in a container of softened butter and let sit overnight. The result is rich, flavorful butter that’s perfect for all sorts of sweet baking applications.
- Sugar Infusion: Store some split vanilla beans in a container of sugar and let sit for at least a week. Your sugar will be infused with that sweet, distinctive vanilla flavor which can be used to sweeten anything from desserts to coffee.
are the perfect way to add a hint of sweetness to recipes and drinks without resorting to syrups and sweeteners. Give one of these a try and discover a whole new way to use and enjoy vanilla!
6. Vanilla: Aromatic and Sweet Benefits
Vanilla is one of the most cherished and beloved ingredients, loved for its intense flavor that can be added to a variety of desserts and beverages. But did you know the sweetener has other benefits and uses beyond just being a classic treat to tantalize your taste buds? Read on to learn about the wonderful world of vanilla and its highly aromatic and sweet benefits.
- Anti-inflammatory: Vanilla has been found to contain a compound known as vanillic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. That means vanilla could help soothe minor aches and pains such as sore muscles.
- Natural stress reliever: Studies have found that the aroma of vanilla has a calming effect, making it a great ingredient for relaxation. Enjoying a sweet treat or a hot drink like chai flavored with some vanilla extract could be helpful in de-stressing after a long day.
- Skin care: Vanilla has moisturizing properties that can help to keep your skin soft and supple. For a DIY skin treat, try including pure vanilla extract with other ingredients like honey and yogurt for a homemade facial mask.
- Digestive aid: Vanilla helps to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which can make it easier to relieve the discomfort of stomach upset or indigestion.
These are just a few of the many benefits of vanilla, from helping to reduce inflammation to aiding digestion. So the next time you indulge in some classic vanilla-flavored desserts, keep in mind the sweet and aromatic benefits that come with them.
Vanilla certainly is an amazing natural ingredient that has an incredible range of uses. From providing sweetness and warmth in desserts to uplifting your home and beauty regimen, it’s a versatile and economical ingredient you can enjoy in a variety of ways. Spice up your life and try one of the many delicious options vanilla has to offer today.
