Vanilla extract is an indispensable ingredient for anyone who bakes, but most people are unaware of its many other uses. Aromatic and full of complex flavors, it's a versatile product that every home should carry. Here are a few ways to utilize vanilla that you might not be aware of.

How Can You Make the Most Out of Vanilla Extract?

1. Grill With a Secret Ingredient

While it may seem counterintuitive, vanilla extract is the ideal ingredient for savory dishes, making it perfect for your next cookout. This product adds depth and showcases the natural sweetness of meats. Use it in sauces, glazes, and marinades for ribs, chicken, pork chops, salmon, or steak.

2. Upgrade Your Coffee or Tea

If plain coffee or tea isn't enough to get you up in the morning, try adding vanilla. Put a few drops in the empty coffee pot before brewing, or add them directly to your tea with milk. Enjoy additional sweetness in your beverage resulting from the luxurious taste of vanilla, all without adding creams and syrups packed with sugar.

3. Craft Delicious Cocktails

A splash of vanilla extract enhances cocktails with rich, woody flavors without overpowering them with sweetness. This ingredient goes well with drinks that warm you from the inside out, such as rum, whiskey, bourbon, and Irish cream. Incorporate compatible flavors like chocolate, cinnamon, star anise, strawberry, and cherry if you wish to continue enhancing your beverages.

4. Mix Some Smoothies

Whether mixing leafy greens or making a healthy dessert smoothie, vanilla is a great ingredient to include. It goes with almost any smoothie, drawing out the sweetness of vegetables and adding rich, complex flavors to fruits. Give it a try with pumpkin, bananas, berries, coconut, almond, spinach, or avocado.

5. Make a Scented Room Spray

This ingredient isn't just for food—it can also be used around the house for its aromatic properties. Create a DIY room spray using one cup of water and 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract. Carefully pour the ingredients into a mist spray bottle, swirl the contents, and you'll have a homemade fragrant room spray to neutralize odors and give your home a delightful aroma.

If you're running low on vanilla extract, replenish your supply with Laie Vanilla Company. Located in Hawaii, this farm cultivates high-quality vanilla plants using natural techniques and growing practices. Their shop offers Grade A vanilla beans, vanilla cuttings, pure vanilla extract, and educational tours of the farm on Oahu. Browse their full inventory online. If you have any questions about their products, call (808) 209-3354 to speak with a friendly staff member.