Vanilla extract

Italian name: Estratto di vaniglia
Form: A liquid product; check its ingredient list and measure

Liquid, pod or powder

Liquid extract

Form and use: Paneangeli’s Bourbon extract is ready to add to dough or cream; its listed ingredients include sugar, glucose syrup, water and vanilla extract.

Whole pod

Form and use: Paneangeli directs cooks to slit its pod lengthwise and infuse it in the recipe liquid; the seeds can also be added.

Vanilla powder blend

Form and use: Paneangeli’s Vaniglia Naturale contains sugar, vanilla extract, corn starch and ground vanilla pods. Read the package rather than assuming pure ground vanilla.

Vanilla beside almonds and orange

Juls’ Kitchen’s ricciarelli recipe on Visit Tuscany combines vanilla extract with bitter almond extract and grated orange zest.

The vanilla is added to the almond dough before its overnight refrigerator rest. It offers a ready-to-add form of vanilla for this preparation, while a whole pod requires a different handling step.

From beans to a liquid flavoring

Nielsen-Massey describes a cold extraction process for its Pure Vanilla Extract and lists water, cane alcohol, cane sugar and vanilla bean extractives. Paneangeli’s Bourbon extract has a different ingredient list. Check the ingredient list on the bottle you choose.

In cookie dough and cream

Visit Tuscany’s ricciarelli use one teaspoon of vanilla extract, added with the almond and citrus flavorings. Paneangeli also gives directions for adding its extract to cooked creams and whipping cream. Follow the recipe’s quantity and stage of addition.

Cook with it

Soft Ricciarelli with Orange

Match the form to the recipe

Choose extract when the recipe calls for liquid extract, then check the ingredients and directions for that bottle. For pods or powder blends, use the measure and preparation supplied by the recipe or manufacturer.

The product’s own instructions

Paneangeli advises a cool, dry place for its Bourbon extract. Nielsen-Massey advises airtight storage at room temperature away from heat and sunlight for its vanilla products. Follow the directions on your bottle.

Questions worth asking

Do all vanilla extracts contain the same ingredients?

No. The two manufacturer examples have different ingredient lists: Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla Extract lists cane alcohol, while Paneangeli’s Bourbon extract lists sugar, glucose syrup, water and vanilla extract.

How is a pod used differently?

Paneangeli’s pod directions call for a lengthwise slit and an infusion in the recipe liquid. Its liquid extract is ready to add directly. Follow the recipe or product conversion for the form you choose.

How much goes into ricciarelli?

The Juls’ Kitchen version published by Visit Tuscany uses one teaspoon of vanilla extract. This is that recipe’s measure, not a dose for every dough or bottle.

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