Food

Vanilla Bean There, Done That? Think Again

Vanilla truly is one of the most complex flavors and aromas in the world.
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Vanilla Bean There, Done That? Think Again
These pudding cups prove classic vanilla never goes out of style. JeanMarie Brownson/TCA
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At the local ice cream shop, my 4-year-old granddaughter asked her mother to read the names of every flavor posted. Two-dozen descriptions later, the 4-year-old ordered vanilla. She declared it perfect. Smart child.

Why anyone would classify vanilla as basic, I’ll never understand. It truly is one of the most complex flavors and aromas in the world. Vanilla flavors thousands of foodstuffs, perfumes, candles, and lotions.

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JeanMarie Brownson
JeanMarie Brownson
Author
JeanMarie Brownson is a James Beard Award-winning author and the recipient of the IACP Cookbook Award for her latest cookbook, “Dinner at Home.” JeanMarie, a chef and authority on home cooking, Mexican cooking and specialty food, is one of the founding partners of Frontera Foods. She co-authored three cookbooks with chef Rick Bayless, including “Mexico: One Plate at a Time.” JeanMarie has enjoyed developing recipes and writing about food, travel and dining for more than four decades. ©2026 JeanMarie Brownson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.