Adventures in Food
Why aren’t you using…almond extract?
I ran out of vanilla extract a few months ago. And I haven’t missed it.
Instead almond extract has become my go-to addition to cookies, cakes and all things sweet.
Pop the cap of the almond extract and you might be a little overwhelmed with the pungent scent that only hints of almond. But baked into goodies, the flavor mellows and deepens giving sweets an added boost of nuttiness.
Your turn–are you an almond extract fan? Are you ready to swap out your vanilla extract for something zingier?














about 2 years ago
Hmmm, I like the way you think. Almond extract is yummy.
Of course, I make my own vanilla extract, so have a perpetual supply. Now I’ll have to figure out how to make my own almond extract!
about 2 years ago
I am going to pick up some almond extract the next time I go shopping. And without reading about it, I would never have realized it could be used in place of vanilla. Thanks!
about 2 years ago
I hope you like it. When I first started using it my kids noticed a change–they’d ask, “What did you do different? I like this.” Now they can pick up on the flavor tweak right away.
about 2 years ago
I love the smell. Almond extract is one thing I used to take to France in my suitcase when I lived there. I needed it for Julia Child’s Reine de Saba cake. (It probably exists in France now, but was not commercialized at the time there.)
about 2 years ago
I didn’t realize they didn’t have almond extract in France. That surprises me since you can find almonds in so many different desserts throughout Europe.
about 2 years ago
My almond extract has to be kept under lock and key, since the husband is VERY allergic to tree nuts. Sigh.
about 2 years ago
I’m sorry about that. Nut allergies can be so difficult.I guess you’ll just have to put substitute plenty of nut-free chocolate into cookie recipes that call for nuts.
about 2 years ago
You hardly ever hear about almond extract. It’s always all about vanilla extract. so this is good to know. Anything to make yummy desserts yummier.
Jeanine
about 2 years ago
I have some in my cupboard. Haven’t EVER thought of putting it in cookies instead of vanilla extract. Thanks for the good idea!
about 2 years ago
I love almond extract, but hate almonds — too crunchy and bland.
about 2 years ago
i use almond extract too and learned that a little goes a long way. thanks for the reminder.
about 2 years ago
Ugh. I’m the opposite of Ruth. Love almonds but can’t stand almond extract. In my mind, there’s no surer way to ruin a recipe!
about 2 years ago
Really? That makes sense though that some people are fans and some aren’t. Lately I can pick up on the slightest hint of vanilla in baked goods and it makes me long for almond extract.
about 2 years ago
So strange. But then again, I love nuts in anything and everything.
about 2 years ago
You should try it. I think you’ll like the flavor.