Vanilla extract adds a wonderfully rich and sweet note to everything from cookies to cakes. You might be surprised, however, to learn that it’s far more diverse than meets the eye. No ordinary baking ingredient, this blend of vanilla beans soaked in water and alcohol can transform a variety of unexpected dishes in different ways. Here are three interesting ways to make use of it.

Clever Ways to Use Vanilla Extract

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasting green peppers, squash, onions, and carrots is a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables. While it’s common to add seasonings like salt and garlic, brushing the extract on top instead can be an effective way of enhancing its flavor. The vanilla brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the alcohol content will caramelize to lend them a richer and more complex flavor.

2. Hearty Risotto

While the conventional recipe for risotto calls for wine, adding vanilla extract is a clever way to liven up the dish in a fresh way. To prepare it, use the same amount of stock that you would normally and replace your usual wine with a teaspoon of extract. As the alcohol evaporates, it will enhance the aroma of the dish and add a warm, earthy note to the flavor profile. Ingredients like butternut squash and shiitake mushrooms make prime partners for vanilla.

3. Salad Dressing

Your standard homemade salad dressing may contain ingredients like oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper, but you can transform it just a touch with a drop or two of vanilla. This is just enough to balance the tanginess in a more tart dressing and create some balance for a more pleasant mouthfeel. Try it on a salad with sweet ingredients, like mandarin oranges and candied walnuts, for a tasty finishing touch.  
 

If you’re ready to add some vanilla extract to your pantry, turn to Laie Vanilla Company in Hawaii. As the sole vanilla farm on Oahu, they take pride in providing high-quality vanilla-based products made of pure vanilla beans. Their extract is prized for its strength and delicious flavor, making it a wonderful addition to a wide range of dishes. Visit the website to place an order, or call (808) 209-3354 to speak with a representative.