Vanilla
Vanilla
is a flavoring derived from the vanilla bean. Vanillin is
the name of the distinctive chemical in vanilla. Vanilla
extract is alcohol containing flavor (vanillin) from the
vanilla bean. Vanillin itself, produced by a modern
chemical process, is widely sold in a form similar to
vanilla extract.
When a recipe specifies
vanilla, usually the recipe is intended to work with
either vanilla extract or vanillin. Such recipes will
require modification if whole vanilla beans are used.
Vanilla is commonly used
in desserts and in chocolate. Vanilla is often not noticeable
as a distinct flavor, yet nevertheless greatly improves
the taste of the dish it has been added to (much like salt
and MSG).
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