Win a Le Creuset Roaster worth £130 in our next newsletter!  Click here for details

Vanilla extract

 Vanilla extract
Key facts

As you'd expect, this is extracted from pure vanilla pods and not made synthetically (extract is the key word; essence is not the same thing).

It's very useful for sauces, custards and a million-and-one sweet dishes or wherever a touch of vanilla flavour is required.

 
Related Recipes
10-Minute Raspberry Cheesecake Serves 6

10-Minute Raspberry Cheesecake

Rustle up this gorgeous dessert in minutes…then pop it into the oven to bake for half an hour. Delia has topped her cheesecake with fresh raspberries and a superb bought coulis but you could use any fresh fruit in season.

 
 
Mango and Passion Fruit Meringues with Mascarpone Serves 8

Mango and Passion Fruit Meringues with Mascarpone

A different take on the usual strawberries and cream, but just as luscious - you can use any fruit you like for this easy cheat recipe, but passionfruit is good for cutting through the richness of the mascarpone.

 
 
Petits Monts Blancs Serves 8

Petits Monts Blancs

A brilliant party dish this, as it's so easy to make - all you need is bought meringue nests and a tin of sweetened chestnut puree, one of Delia's favourite ingredients.

 
 
Rhubarb and Amaretti Crumble with Vanilla Bean Custard Serves 4

Rhubarb and Amaretti Crumble with Vanilla Bean Custard

Make the most of rhubarb's fleeting spring season with this wonderful take on a traditional crumble, which adds amaretti biscuits to the topping for their crunch and almond flavours.

 
 
A Compote of Figs in Marsala Wine with Mascarpone Mousse Serves 6

A Compote of Figs in Marsala Wine with Mascarpone Mousse

Elegant and autumnal, this dessert would go down well at the end of a special meal and is simplicity itself to make. Of course, you can use the mascarpone mousse in other recipes too - a great addition to your repertoire!