5 Must Try Vanilla Bean Dishes.

By Joy Essien, Contributing Editor, Lagos Metropolitan.

Vanilla extract is quite popular and commonly used but using the whole bean can elevate your dishes to a whole new level. Those tiny seeds in the pods pack an intense flavor, making them the perfect choice for both sweet and savory recipes. Below are 5 creative ways to use them in your cooking.

1. Vanilla Infused Rice Pudding.
   This is a creamy dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of vanilla beans. To make this dish, simmer rice with milk and sugar until it reaches a thick consistency. Split open a vanilla bean and scrape it’s seeds into the mixture. The result is a comforting dessert with subtle hints of vanilla in every bite.

2. Vanilla Bean Smoothie.
   Adding vanilla bean to your morning smoothie can make it taste so much better. Simply blend the fruits with yogurt or almond milk and add the seeds from one split vanilla bean. The tiny black specks will not only make the smoothie look pretty, it will also give it an amazing depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

3. Vanilla Bean Pancakes.
   A trial will simply convince you. For breakfast lovers, vanilla bean pancakes are an amazing way to start the day. Just add the seeds from a split vanilla bean into your regular pancake batter before cooking on a griddle. The result is fluffy pancakes with an aromatic touch that goes perfectly well with maple syrup or fresh fruit toppings.

4. Vanilla Bean Infused Syrup.
   Make a homemade syrup by simmering water, sugar and one or two split vanilla beans together until slightly thickened. This Infused syrup can be drizzled over pancakes, waffles and even as sweetener for iced teas and lemonades. It adds an elegant twist to your favorite beverages.

5. Savory Vanilla Bean Sauces.
   Vanilla bean can also be used in savory dishes, like sauces for roasted vegetables or grilled fruits. Just infuse cream or butter with split vanilla beans and strain before use. This creates a delicate balance between sweet and savory elements in your meals, making it unique and memorable.