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vanilla extract

vanilla extract

CondimentsYear-round. Vanilla extract is a shelf-stable processed product derived from cured, dried beans; availability is consistent throughout the year regardless of vanilla bean harvest seasons.

Vanilla extract is used in minimal quantities and provides negligible calories or macronutrients per serving. It contains trace amounts of minerals and antioxidants from vanilla beans but is primarily valued for flavoring rather than nutritional content.

About

Vanilla extract is a liquid flavoring derived from vanilla orchid pods (Vanilla planifolia and related species), native to Mexico. The extraction process involves splitting cured vanilla beans and steeping them in alcohol (typically ethanol) for several months, allowing the flavor compounds—primarily vanillin—to infuse into the liquid. Pure vanilla extract contains at least 35% alcohol by volume and must contain constituents from vanilla beans. Imitation vanilla extract, made from synthetic vanillin, offers similar flavor at a lower cost but lacks the complex aromatic notes of pure extract. The flavor profile ranges from sweet and creamy to slightly floral, with subtle woodsy undertones in quality extracts.

Real vanilla extract's complexity derives from hundreds of volatile compounds present in vanilla beans, not merely vanillin. Different vanilla-producing regions (Madagascar, Tahiti, Mexico) yield extracts with distinct flavor characteristics—Madagascar vanilla is typically bold and creamy, Tahitian vanilla is floral and fruity, and Mexican vanilla offers earthy, spicy notes.

Culinary Uses

Vanilla extract serves as a primary flavoring agent in baking, desserts, and sweet preparations across numerous culinary traditions. It is essential in cakes, cookies, custards, ice cream, and puddings, where it enhances sweetness and provides aromatic depth. Beyond sweets, vanilla extract appears in savory applications—fruit compotes, sauces, and even certain meat preparations—where it adds subtle complexity. The ingredient is typically added near the end of cooking to preserve volatile aromatics, though in baked goods it integrates throughout the batter. A small quantity (½ to 2 teaspoons per recipe) is generally sufficient, as vanilla extract is highly concentrated.

Used In

Recipes Using vanilla extract (618)

RCI-BR.005.0434.001

No-Bake Cookies

. These cookies are delicious, fast, and easy to customize.

RCI-DS.002.0140.001

No fat, no salt vanilla ice cream

No fat, no salt vanilla ice cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0372.001

No-guilt cheesecake

No-guilt cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0286.001

Norm's Banana Nut Bread

This is Norm's recipe from Norm's Gourmet Works in Negril, Jamaica.

RCI-BR.003.0289.001

Nostalgia Date Nut Loaf

Nostalgia Date Nut Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0438.001

Nut Butter Cookies

Nut Butter Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0129.001

Nut Griddle Cakes

From my Grandmother’s Estate. Notation on card says this was one of several griddlecake recipes served at church breakfast fundraisers for years. Dated 1928.

RCI-BR.005.0442.001

Nut Lover's Iced Sugar Cookies

Nut Lover's Iced Sugar Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0132.001

Nutty Raisin Griddle Cakes

From my Grandmother’s Estate. Notation on card says this was one of several griddlecake recipes served at church breakfast fundraisers for years. Dated 1928.

RCI-BR.005.0449.001

Oatmeal Breakfast Bar

Oatmeal Breakfast Bar from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0450.001

Oatmeal Cherry Cookies

Cherries, Dried by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 48

RCI-BR.005.0460.001

Oatmeal-Peanut Butter Blondies

Submitted by Oral Slither A blondie is like a brownie without chocolate. These bars are soft, slightly chewy, with a crisper crust, and moderate peanut butter flavor. This recipe was adapted from the Brownies and Blondies cookbook.

RCI-BR.005.0463.001

Oatmeal-Rhubarb Bars

Oatmeal-Rhubarb Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.007.0224.001

Ohio Whipped Cream Chocolate Frosting

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-DS.001.0378.001

Old-fashioned Baked Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0379.001

Old-fashioned Baked Rice Pudding I

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.005.0465.001

Old-fashioned Butter Cookies

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Leake Estate in Arlington, Texas in 1982.

RCI-BR.006.0227.001

Old-fashioned Egg Custard Pie

From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1912.

RCI-DS.001.0381.001

Old Fashioned Rice Custard

Makes 4 servings

RCI-DS.001.0383.001

Orange and Rice Cream Mold

Makes 8 servings

RCI-BR.008.0138.001

Orange Cardamom Pancakes

American cuisine Breakfast Recipes Vegetarian Cuisine Bread

RCI-DS.001.0384.001

Orange Cream

Makes 10 servings

RCI-BV.007.0098.001

Orange Dream

Whip up this frothy cooler in minutes — it tastes like an old-fashioned Creamsicle. For best results, start with ice-cold soy milk and use freshly squeezed orange juice. Creamy, custard-like silken tofu adds extra body.

RCI-BR.008.0139.001

Orange French Toast

puts a twist on cinnamon bread.

RCI-BV.007.0103.001

Orange Milk Shake I

Posted on Diabetic Board of nvn by Patricia (Trish) McKenna, ID pmckenna.

RCI-BR.006.0232.001

Oregon Mango Pie

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Butler Estate in Irving, Texas in 1988.

RCI-DS.001.0391.001

Pain Patat

Pain Patat from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0471.001

Pan Cookie Sundae Treat

Contributed by Lilly at Catsrecipes Y-Group * 35 Square

Panna cotta
RCI-DS.001.0396.001

Panna cotta

Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.

RCI-DS.001.0395.001

Panna cotta

Panna cotta in blackberry sauce is an Italian dessert, the name of which means cooked cream. Similar dishes are also found in France and Greece.

RCI-DS.001.0398.001

Papos de Anjo

right| Papos de Anjo

RCI-BR.008.0160.001

Peach Dessert Pancakes

Makes 12 servings, about 24 four-inch pancakes.

RCI-DS.001.0407.001

Peach-Topped Pudding

Makes 4 servings

RCI-DS.003.0237.001

Peanut Butter Balls

Appetizer, Dessert, easy for kiddos Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0405.001

Peanut Butter Chip Carrot Cake

Peanut Butter Chip Carrot Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0406.001

Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

Peanut Butter Fudge Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0491.001

Peanut Macaroons

Peanut Macaroons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0246.001

Peanut Pattie

Peanut Pattie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0127.001

Peanutty Granola

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-BR.008.0162.001

Peanutty peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffles

Peanutty peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0318.001

Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf

Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0209.001

Pears with Nut Stuffing

Pears with Nut Stuffing

RCI-DS.003.0249.001

Pecan Fudge

This was in my grandmother's collection. Date and source unknown. It is very easy to make and always gobbled right up. I make triple batches of this at Christmas.

RCI-DS.003.0251.001

Pecan Pralines Southern-style

Southern decadence at it finest! These are enough to make a New Orleans native like me homesick. Cook time includes cooling time. com (but its almost as good as MawMaw's recipe).

RCI-BR.006.0253.001

Pecan Tassies

Pecan Tassies these are a North American classic treat, commonly used for desserts or afternoon teas.

RCI-BR.004.0412.001

Peppermint cake

Peppermint cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0254.001

Peppermint Cloud Rice Pie

Makes 6 servings

RCI-DS.001.0411.001

Peppermint Rice Cloud

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.005.0500.001

Peppy Power Cookies

Peppy Power Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0064.001

Perfectly Chocolate Hot Cocoa

Makes 1 serving