Next time you open your pantry or are in a store that sells vanilla extract, please read the label! The laws regarding what can be called “vanilla extract” are pretty broad and very confusing. Although in our minds the idea of “pure vanilla extract” would ideally be fresh, fragrant vanilla beans marinated in a fabulous liquid, that is normally not the case. Many brands include all sorts of additives, including the vague “vanilla bean extract” (whatever that might be), glycerin, dextrose, sugar, artificial flavors, and corn syrup. So go for the real deal and make your own!
Here are recipes for making your own vanilla extract for use in baking; vanilla sugar for use in any sweet dish that might benefit from a scent of vanilla: and vanilla powder, which can be used in place of either homemade vanilla extract or vanilla sugar or as a garnish to add a vanilla essence to baked goods, fish, or shellfish.