vanilla extract
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.
Recipes Using vanilla extract (593)
Old-fashioned Baked Rice Pudding I
Makes 6 servings
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.
Old-fashioned Egg Custard Pie
From my grandmother's collection. Dated 1912.
Old Fashioned Rice Custard
Makes 4 servings
Orange and Rice Cream Mold
Makes 8 servings
Orange Cardamom Pancakes
American cuisine Breakfast Recipes Vegetarian Cuisine Bread
Orange Cream
Makes 10 servings
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.
Orange French Toast
puts a twist on cinnamon bread.
Orange Milk Shake I
Posted on Diabetic Board of nvn by Patricia (Trish) McKenna, ID pmckenna.
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.
Pain Patat
Pain Patat from the Recidemia collection
Pan Cookie Sundae Treat
Contributed by Lilly at [http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group] * 35 Square
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.
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.
Papos de Anjo
right| Papos de Anjo
Peach Dessert Pancakes
Makes 12 servings, about 24 four-inch pancakes.
Peach-Topped Pudding
Makes 4 servings
Peanut Butter Balls
Appetizer, Dessert, easy for kiddos Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Recipes Y-Group
Peanut Butter Chip Carrot Cake
Peanut Butter Chip Carrot Cake from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Butter Fudge Cake
Peanut Butter Fudge Cake from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Macaroons
Peanut Macaroons from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Pattie
Peanut Pattie from the Recidemia collection
Peanutty Granola
Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Peanutty peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffles
Peanutty peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffles from the Recidemia collection
Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf
Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Pears with Nut Stuffing
Pears with Nut Stuffing
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.
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).
Pecan Tassies
Pecan Tassies these are a North American classic treat, commonly used for desserts or afternoon teas.
Peppermint cake
Peppermint cake from the Recidemia collection
Peppermint Cloud Rice Pie
Makes 6 servings
Peppermint Rice Cloud
Makes 6 servings
Peppy Power Cookies
Peppy Power Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Perfectly Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Makes 1 serving
Persian Apricot Rice Pudding
I found this recipe online, and had to post it here. I really really,really love recipes like this. My dad is from England, so he loves his rice pudding, and this is a really, nice twist on the plaid version!
Pina Colada Tofu Pie
Pina Colada Tofu Pie from the Recidemia collection
Pineapple Rice Delight
Makes 8 servings
Pineapple Rice Parfaits
Makes 8 servings
Pineapple-Strawberry Delight
Makes 6 servings.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
.
Polka-dot Brownies
Polka-dot Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Portuguese Coffee Buttercake
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/world_recipes/ World Recipes Y-Group] This Y-group is
Power Breakfast
Makes 6 servings
Power Pilaf
Makes 6 servings
Prospect Cheesecake Trifle
This is one of a few more cheesecake recipes from the VERY OLD file - Enjoy From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Pumpkin Cheesecake
This seasonal version is all cheesecake without a crust, highlighting its pure, creamy pumpkin flavor. Like most cheesecakes, this one is placed in a water bath to ensure even baking.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Torte
.
Pumpkin Muffins III
These freeze well. Makes 12 muffins.