What Form Of Vanilla Do I Use For The Vanilla Fudge?

Our answer

Nigella's Vanilla Fudge is a traditional boiled fudge made with butter, sugar and milk (both condensed and fresh) and is flavoured with vanilla. The method mentions "vanilla" but the ingredients list specifies vanilla extract.

Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla pods (beans) in liquid to extract the flavour and is considered to be a natural product. Generally it is seen as a good alternative to vanilla seeds and pods in most dishes. Vanilla paste is usually a thickened vanilla extract with vanilla seeds added. Vanilla flavouring is usually created from artificial ingredients and views vary as to whether is a good alternative to vanilla extract. You could use any of these products to flavour the fudge, but our preference is for vanilla extract as it is easy to stir into the thick fudge mixture and has a good flavour. Always add the vanilla after the fudge has been boiled for maximim flavour. If vanilla extract is boiled, the volatile elements in the extract tend to evaporate and the vanilla flavour is not as strong.