My grandmother once told me that one of her foremost ambitions was to create a lot of good memories. And, as far as I’m concerned, she succeeded.
That said, a good majority of my memories with her are set in her perfect kitchen. And, it should also be noted, mainly because I’m a moron, that only one piece of her extensive culinary advice stands out to me now. And here it is.
She frequently said to me, “Whatever you do, always double the vanilla.”
My grandmother was brilliant. And she’s completely right. I’ve never found one recipe on the planet that hasn’t been bettered with a double dose of the extract. This goes for cookies, cakes, pies, whatever. It also goes for salads.
Behold, the power of vanilla. And salads. With vanilla.
Mixed Salad with Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette and Toasted WalnutsFrom Cooking Light
1 cup vertically sliced red onion
2 (10-ounce) packages Mediterranean-style salad
2/3 cup Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette
1 (15-ounce) can pear halves in juice, undrained
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
(which really means 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract…remember the rule!)
Dash of ground red pepper
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 2 cups)
Note: Nutritional analysis includes Vanilla-Pear Vinaigrette.
NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 55(38% from fat); FAT 2.3g (sat 0.2g,mono 0.5g,poly 1.5g); PROTEIN 1.8g; CHOLESTEROL 0.0mg; CALCIUM 20mg; SODIUM 73mg; FIBER 2.9g; IRON 0.4mg; CARBOHYDRATE 8.1g
I am in the market for a new salad. GcQ you are double the vanilla.
Yummmmmm. . . .thanks for the great tip and the recipe. I've been adding double the vanilla to pancakes as my secret ingredient for years and my family raves. . .Such a sweet tribute to your grandmother!
Thank you–I do have a thing for pure unadulterated vanilla. Doubling the dose will do well for me, I'm sure.
This sounds wonderful, especially with the vanilla! Thank you for sharing.
That sounds delish! At first, I was primed with mock outrage that you have never made this for me, but then I realized that we always go eat someplace fabulous. So, no complaints. I will make it myself and think of you and all things Noodle Apartments. Sabrina, I like the vanilla in the pancakes, too! Sounds like a great way to earn admirers!GcQ, at first I thought your title was a review of the Sheryl Crow concert! So glad it was not! I hope you and Ms. Morehands had a fab time!
This sounds divine. I'll think of your grandmother everytime I pull out my vanilla. (Love it in the batter for panckes and French toast, too.)
I always double the vanilla. Yummy recipe.
I've always felt that way – that my goal, most of the time, is to create memories. And I spend a lot of time enjoying them.I've never doubled the vanilla in a recipe (I never realized you were allowed to), but my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe calls for a tablespoon, where most call for a teaspoon, and it's yummy!
i'm coming straight round to your house for supper …. one day, maybe *wistful*my granny's larder always smelt of vanilla. wonderful!
what good advice. kudos to your grandma for the tip. too bad i just made choc chip cookies yesterday. next time though…more vanilla.
This post made me tear up…remembering our grandmother. I cried over a salad recipe post. That's a first. You should write down all that she said because (since your older) you remember more of it than I do. It helps me remember to hear your memories. When you talked about the kitchen, I had this very vivid memory of how her hands looked, and that's when I cried. ps the salad recipe sounds amazing
Thanks, I always wanted a salad recipe involving walnuts. My salads are so boring!Creating memories – a noble goal indeed.
I made creme brulet a few nights ago. If i doubled the vanilla I'd have to take out a loan. It's like 8 bucks to buy a whole vanilla bean!