Vanilla beans, extract, and paste ... oh my! Here's how to choose between these three products when it comes to baking cakes ...

After K.H. asked for a recipe for Bourbon strawberry preserves, I looked for it to no avail on the Internet. However, I came across this luscious-sounding recipe that "Gorboduc" posted on her food ...

Ice Cream: 2 cups heavy cream, well chilled. 1 cup whole milk, well chilled. ½ cup granulated sugar. 1 tsp vanilla bean paste. ½ tsp almond extract. Pinch table salt ...

Vanilla extract is made by soaking dried vanilla beans in water and alcohol. As the extract matures over several months, the alcohol becomes imbued with a flavor compound known as vanillin.

In fact, you can easily make your own extract by steeping whole vanilla beans in an 80-proof liquor; vodka is common, but you can use bourbon or rum for extra flavor, or even smoky mezcal.

As a general rule of thumb, 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract =one 6-inch vanilla bean = 1 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste. (But check your vanilla paste bottle, as some brands may vary!) ...

Vanilla is a popular ingredient that adds flavor to many dishes. Here are 6 intriguing vanilla bean and vanilla extract benefits, besides their flavor.

If vanilla bean is whole, slice down the side of the bean with the back of a knife, and scrape seeds into an airtight container with the sugar. Bury bean in sugar, and seal tightly with lid. Let ...