Five Fun Ways to Use Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Like salt, it’s a seasoning and a little goes a long way, even if you can’t taste it prominently. But also like salt, if you forget it, there’s a guaranteed “I can’t quite put my finger on it but these cookies could be better” result. However, vanilla is usually relegated to the pantry or shelf, only to be used for baking. Recently I’ve used it more than usual, in my realization that it can do so much more than enhance the flavor of dessert.

Image courtesy of Tiny Test Kitchen

Read on for five unique ways to incorporate vanilla extract into your meals. Be sure to use a high-quality vanilla product, such as Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract. Since you’re highlighting the vanilla flavor in the following recipes, you want to be sure to use something that actually tastes good. Note: one tablespoon of vanilla extract is equal to one vanilla bean.

1. Vanilla Oatmeal

We’ll start with the least unusual, most obvious recipe. But don’t discount it because it’s still delicious! There are a million ways to prepare your oats, which is why they’re such a great staple.

• 1/4 cup steel-cut oats or 1/2 cup regular oats
• Roughly 1/4 cup water or milk
• 20 raisins (I used golden raisins)
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 tsp. bee pollen
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice mix

Combine water or milk with the oats in a saucepan and heat until the oats are cooked to desired consistency; or, microwave. Add in the rest of the ingredients, stir, and enjoy.

2. Vanilla Smoothie

This is the second super versatile breakfast food that I make regularly. It’s also easy to mix it up, but people don’t often think to use vanilla extract. However, think of all the smoothie ingredients that would be enhanced by the flavor of vanilla: bananas, chocolate, peanut butter, milk, strawberries…

• 1 cup milk (I use almond or coconut milk)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 tsp. bee pollen
• 1 cap-full vanilla extract

Blend and enjoy.

Image courtesy of Bourbon Blog

3. Vanilla White Russian

I’ve never personally made a White Russian (other than the fake ones I made in bartending school… but I never actually went on to become a bartender after that) and although I’ve never posted a recipe I haven’t tried, this one is so obvious to me I just know it would be perfect. I bet it would be delicious and if I ever do make a White Russian, I’m definitely adding the vanilla extract. Vanilla extract can go in many other cocktails as well.

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 3/4 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
• 3/4 oz cream
• Dash of vanilla extract

Pour the vodka, Kahlua and vanilla extract into a glass over ice. Stir then gently top with cream.

4. Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

This might sound daunting but it’s actually just as easy as the smoothie and the cocktail. You can also swap out the vanilla for rose-water, for another great flavor.

• 4 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/4 cup milk (I use almond or coconut milk)
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 cap-full vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients and whisk for 20 seconds. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (I always leave it overnight) before eating.

5. Vanilla Maple Roasted Almonds 

This is a great recipe since it’s salty sweet (my favorite!) and the almonds can obviously be swapped out with your preferred nut.

• 1.5 cups almonds 
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1.2 cup maple syrup
• Salt (I used Hawaiian black sea salt)

Combine all ingredients and spread the nuts evenly on a greased cookie sheet (a large pan also works). Roast in 350-degree oven for 5 minutes, or until they’re toasty and you can smell something awesome wafting out of the oven.

6. Bonus: vanilla-marinated meat. I’ve never tried this, but here’s a recipe for Vanilla and Bourbon Marinated Pork Loin

How do you like to use vanilla extract? Do you have any other good unusual ideas?