Vanilla

Throughout this website, pure vanilla extract is designated in the recipes. Never replace this with the artificial flavor “vanillin”, always buy a pure extract of the vanilla bean (which is available in most good stores).

While I find the taste of vanilla extract entirely satisfactory, you may make your own “vanilla sugar” in the style of German bakers.

Vanilla Sugar. Buy a vanilla bean – they are usually sold in glass tubes. It should be smooth and black, with a frosting of vanilla crystals. You may open the bean and scrap out the grains, using them to flavor custards, whipped cream or the like. Place the rest of the bean into a covered container with granulated or confectioners sugar. In a few weeks you will have a deliciously aromatic vanilla sugar.