The pixie dust of the food world

Pure Madagascar vanilla beans, ground super finely, make a magically intoxicating vanilla dust. A must-have for your pantry.

A little-known baking ingredient that’s gaining popularity is a sweet brown dust called vanilla powder. Vanilla beans are dried, cured and finely ground, creating a light and sweet powder with an intoxicating scent.

Beware of products labeled vanilla powder that actually contain a bit of vanilla flavoring but are packed with fillers. True vanilla powder, like the powder found at vanillamart.com, contains pure vanilla beans and nothing else. Accept no substitutes!

Vanilla powder can be used in a one-for-one substitution in any recipe calling for vanilla extract. It’s a great way to remove alcohol content from a recipe. It’s also a wonderful way to add a dusting of sweetness to food without adding sugar. Try sprinkling it on fresh fruit or on the popcorn recipe below.

Sea salt and vanilla popcorn recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided
• 1/3 cup uncooked popcorn kernels
• 1/4 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder

Instructions:

1. In a large pot on high, heat 1 tablespoon of oil until it starts to shimmer.
2. Add the popcorn, and cover the pot with a lid. When you hear the corn begin to pop, alternate shaking the pot and setting it back on the burner until the popping stops.
3. Immediately pour the popcorn into a large bowl to prevent burning.
4. Melt the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil, and drizzle it over the popcorn. Toss well.
5. Sprinkle the sea salt and vanilla powder onto the popcorn, and toss again.

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