Vanilla 101
4th of July Desserts Made Better with Homemade Vanilla Extract
Five 4th of July dessert pairings — each built around a different homemade vanilla extract. Madagascar with bourbon for classic ice cream, Madagascar with vodka for strawberry shortcake, Mexican with rum for tres leches, Hawaiian with Hawaiian rum for a tropical trifle, and Marquesas with brandy for an elegant berry crème brûlée.
The Difference Between Cook Island and Marquesas Vanilla
Discover the differences between two of the world's largest V. tahitensis vanilla beans: Marquesas and Cook Island vanilla. Both are exceptionally rare and plump, but their distinct island origins create unique flavor profiles—from tropical fruit and woody notes to cherry and anise complexity.
