Web Only: Viva Vanilla

The subject of our story 'Vanilla Sky' (issue 24), John Ross, has a passion for vanilla and the small Tongan island of Uta Vava'u - so much so that he is using the exotic orchid to bring prosperity to a remote island village. Here's how to add vanilla to your recipes.

Photograph: Jason Burgess

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  Add vanilla to scones. Make up your favourite scone recipe, adding 1tsp of pure vanilla extract to the mix. Roll the dough in vanilla sugar rather than flour. The scones will turn out flaky, fragrant and delicious.

• Glaze baby beets with orange, vanilla and cardamom, making the glaze with a pinch of spice, ¾ cup orange juice, vanilla extract or fresh vanilla and 1tbl cornflour.

• Add 1tsp of pure vanilla extract to creamed corn.

• Make a pear and goat or blue cheese salad, adding 1tsp pure vanilla extract to the dressing.

• Add vanilla extract to a recipe for bread pudding.

• Make your own vanilla extract by adding a split vanilla bean to a jar filled with 3/cup of vodka or brandy. Make sure the bean is completely covered and the jar airtight. Leave to stand for four to six months. Once ready, try leaving a small amount in a cup at the back of the fridge to diffuse odours.

• Poach winter fruits in Gewurztraminer flavoured with a cinnamon stick, lemon zest and a split vanilla bean. Dried cherries, apricots, apples and figs work well.

• Add vanilla extract or beans to homemade muesli.

• Add vanilla seeds to plain yoghurt or cottage cheese and allow to stand overnight.

• Make a cream sauce for seared scallops, adding ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract. Serve with pasta.

• Add vanilla extract to your hot chocolate or winter bedtime cocoa drink.

• Shrimps taste great when marinaded in a mixture of vanilla, olive oil and chilli powder.

• Add vanilla to your favourite lemonade recipe.

• Make a dressing for hot green beans by adding vanilla extract to butter. Mix in a squeeze of fresh lime and some sautéed almonds.

• Add half a vanilla bean to a recipe for asparagus soup.