Sweet Vanilla Beans

With its tropical aroma and subtle hints of honey, caramel and chocolate, there's nothing quite like vanilla beans that hail from Hawaii. Ours come from the Laie Vanilla Company, a small family farm in the Koolauloa District on the island of Oahu. A type of orchid (and plain looking by orchid standards), vanilla flowers will ultimately produce the coveted beans that can be used to enhance the flavor profile of a variety of sweet goods such as cookies, cakes and ice cream. But you can also use the beans in savory dishes to add a subtle background note (think seafood sauces, poultry and pasta dishes). Simply cut the vanilla bean pod down the middle lengthwise, then scrape out the seeds inside. Save the empty pod to infuse your favorite cocktail with the taste of vanilla or make your own vanilla extract.