yuck! artificial vanilla extract....how do I use it up?

Question

We take turns buying groceries and my list asked for vanilla extract for some scones and the likes. Imagine to my surprise whilst making crepes the extract wasn't the real kind! I already opened the seal by then and now have a large bottle of extract. My roommate pointed out that the artificial bottle was a lot cheaper than the real kind. Any suggestions?
 
The taste doesn't keep well even when making crepes.

Answer

Use it freely in baked goods. I agree with Karl S. that most people (including me) can't tell, especially in baked goods like cakes or cookies with so many other flavors.
 
I would be a little more hesitant in something like a custard where vanilla takes a starring role and the product overall is a little more delicate.

Answer

I work in a famous bakery in Boston and we always used all-natural vanilla in the past. We were forced to switch to artifical vanilla extract when our supplier was dropped, and no one can tell the difference in our baked goods - cookies, pastries, etc. Another idea besides baked goods is if you make your own whipped cream or buttercream, add some there... I also add some when I made french toast... 
 
(The only time I swear by natural vanilla is in vanilla ice cream - there's just no substitute!)

Answer

Cook's Illustrated magazine did a blind taste test of artifical vs. natural vanilla extract not too long ago, and found that the artificial tasted just as good, at least in most applications.

Answer

It comes down to whether YOU like the taste of that artificial vanilla or not. If not then chuck it out. Just remember that tasting it plain, versus used in a recipe will make a big difference. Some brands of artificial taste bitter, some have an "artificial" taste, and others are so near to natural that it makes no difference.

Answer

Sorry, but I disagree with the other posters---artificial vanilla makes anything made with it taste well, artificial. I believe the only good use for artificial vanilla flavoring is as a drain cleaner!

Answer

Use it in chocolate recipes that call for a bit of vanilla, like brownies.

Answer

I say return it to the store. Most supermarkets, chains, or larger food markets will take items back, even if the package is open. You have a better chance if you explain the mistake and take an exchange.
 
It's worth a shot anyway.

Answer

Makes a good car freshener. Put cotton balls or paper towels in an empty candy tin or in a zip lock bag, lightly moisten with the vanilla, and toss it under a seat.

Answer

I agree with the others; it's perfectly acceptable in things like choc-chip cookies, banana bread, etc. where no one would be able to tell if it was real or artificial. If you really can't bring yourself to cook with it, though, you could use it as an air freshener. When I need to get rid of a bad cooking smell in the kitchen (think - greasy fried fish), or just want the flat to smell nice, or the air is very dry, I fill a pot with water, add some ground cinnamon, crushed orange peel (I eat the flesh first!) and a glug of vanilla essence, and put it on a low simmer for an hour or so. Makes the house smell wonderful... a big bottle of vanilla would last for a couple of pots.

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yuck! artificial vanilla extract....how do I use it up?

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