What is vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract is a solution containing the flavor compound vanillin. Pure vanilla extract is made by extracting from vanilla beans in an alcoholic solution. In order for a vanilla extract to be called pure, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that the solution contain a minimum of 35% alcohol and 13.35 ounces of vanilla bean per gallon. Natural vanilla flavoring contains real vanilla bean but no actual alcohol. The vanilla extract can also be prepared at home. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp paring knife to cut lengthwise down each vanilla bean, splitting them in half, leaving an inch at the end connected. Put vanilla beans in a glass jar or bottle with a tight fitting lid (mason jars work well). Cover completely with the vodka. Give t.he bottle a good shake every once in a while. Store in a dark, cool place for 2 months or longer.
How to select vanilla extract
Quality and aroma of the vanillin flavor varies by growth location, since some areas produce beans with higher vanillin content. Good quality vanilla extract has a strong aromatic flavor. Look for 100% pure and natural high grade vanilla extract as beans with artificial color and flavoring are also present in the market. Commercial vanilla extract usually has simple syrup (sugar water) added to the extract to give it a sweet aftertaste. Check the best before date before buying vanilla extract.
Culinary Uses of vanilla extract in Indian Cooking
" The vanilla extract finds culinary usage in baked goods, because almost every single one - with the possible exception of some savory items - can benefit from the boost of flavor, either in the batter/dough or sprinkled on top
" A major use of vanilla extract is in flavoring ice cream and preparation of dessert.
" Although vanilla extract is a prized flavoring agent on its own, it is also used to enhance the flavor of other substances, to which its own flavor is often complementary, such as chocolate, custard, caramel, coffee and others.
Indian cakes, puddings using vanilla extract
Eggless bread butter pudding | Indian style bread butter pudding | Custard bread butter pudding is a dessert which has dual textures of bread– mildly crispy from outside and soft from inside.
Desserts using vanilla extract
eggless waffle recipe | Indian style eggless waffle | eggless waffle made with yeast is often enjoyed on Sunday for breakfast topped with butter and honey. The kids just love it the most. Learn how to make Indian style eggless waffle.
These eggless bakery-style chocolate chip muffins are soft and moist with a crackly muffin top! They are super moist, fluffy, rich in flavor, loaded with sweet chocolate chips, and tastes so delicious. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients.
Indian smoothies using vanilla extract
papaya smoothie recipe | healthy Indian papaya smoothie | papaya smoothie with curds and milkis a bright orange coloured drink which is aptly flavoured. We have just sweetened it mildly with honey, because the natural taste of papaya is awesome.
oatmeal recipes using vanilla extract
peanut butter banana oatmeal recipe | Indian style oatmeal with chia seeds, almond milk | healthy banana almond milk oatmeal | no cooking oatmeal breakfast | The bowlful of Indian style oatmeal with chia seeds, almond milk is naturally sweetened with a dash of honey and mashed bananas, and a sprinkling of cinnamon powder and vanilla extract boosts its aroma and flavour extraordinarily.
How to store vanilla extract
Store vanilla extract in an airtight dark coloured container and keep it away from direct sunlight.