Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract is a special kind of liquid that is made from the oils and flavors of vanilla beans. Vanilla beans are kind of like long, skinny sticks that come from a plant called the Vanilla planifolia. The beans are dark brown, almost black, and smell really good!

To make vanilla extract, grown-ups take the vanilla beans and soak them in a mixture of alcohol and water. This helps to draw out all the yummy flavors and smells from the beans. After the beans have soaked for a while, the liquid is strained to remove any leftover bits of the bean. This liquid is now vanilla extract!

Vanilla extract is used for making things taste extra good, especially sweet treats like cakes, cookies, and ice cream. Just a little bit of vanilla extract can make a big difference in how something tastes because it has a strong and delicious flavor.

But you should always remember that vanilla extract is not a food that you can eat by itself. It tastes really bad if you try it! So make sure you save it for adding to your favorite recipes instead.