So what makes this vanilla so special? It is grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers and then the beans are sun dried to perfection. The vanilla extract contains no extra sugar or corn syrup to distort the mellow, aromatic pure vanilla taste. And I figured something so great and pure would cost me an arm and a leg but nope! Their products are reasonably priced. I can’t wait to try more of their products, especially the Red Ape Cinnamon.
So I have been racking my brain.
Vanilla…. vanilla…. vanilla….
What can I use this darn vanilla for?
Vanilla Ice Cream? Nope too common.
Creme Brulee? Again, too common.
Vanilla Sugar Cookies? Been there done that.
I was still thinking of vanilla one morning when I went to Starbucks. It’s almost that time of year to switch from your favorite iced drink to your favorite warm drink. I was looking at the menu to remind myself of my favorite warm drinks (not that I have to look that hard, I did work there for two years afterall) and I saw the words… and then I saw the light! Vanilla Latte.
Vanilla Latte Pudding
yield: 3-4 servings
1 3/4 cup Milk
1/4 cup Espresso
1/2 cup Sugar
2 TBS Cornstarch
pinch Salt
1 TBS Butter
2 TBS Pure Vanilla Extract
1. In a bowl whisk together the three dry ingredients. Set aside.
2. Brew your espresso right before you start the milk. (you can use very strong coffee if espresso is not accessible.)
3. Add milk to a pot and turn on medium heat. Let come to a simmer and remove from the heat and add espresso. Pour a cup of the milk into the sugar/cornstarch mixture and whisk quickly to create a very smooth mixture. Add another cup of milk and whisk until very smooth. Add all of the mixture back to the milk and whisk over medium heat until thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla and butter.
5. Serve warm or cold with a dash of cinnamon (if refrigerating press plastic wrap on top of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming) If you refrigerate the pudding you may want to strain it before going into the fridge to ensure it will be super creamy.
This pudding is fantastic. The flavors really remind you of a warm vanilla latte. It’s smooth and creamy but has a deep espresso flavor. It is delicious served warm straight off the stovetop, or served cold with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For more information about Singing Dog Vanilla, click here.
