Behind The Butter

ingredient spotlight: vanilla

Fact: I’m a self-professed, die-hard chocoholic. I keep a secret stash of the good stuff (lindt dark sea salt, baby) in a kitchen drawer and have been known to smear nutella on just about anything edible.

Fact: I don’t really like chocolate ice cream.

I know. I’m a freak… right? There must be something wrong with me. But give me good creamy vanilla soft serve with warm caramel sauce on top and I’ll love you forever.

Friends, let me introduce vanilla. The lone white wolf.

(the lone white wolf?)

What do you think of when you think of vanilla?

When I think of vanilla I think of cream, rich and whole, swirling into your coffee cup or into your pasta sauce.

I think of melting soft serve ice cream piled in crunchy waffles cones and eaten quickly, as to not spill a drop.

I think of banana pudding and sugar cookies and the way butter and sugar smells as it creams together in large white bowls.

Chocolate may always have center stage, but in my opinion, nothing can beat vanilla in terms of clean and simple elegance. Chocolate chip cookies are delicious, but there’s just something truly special about biting into a chewy, warm vanilla cookie.


What about you? Are you a chocolate or vanilla lover?

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  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    October 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    i LOVE plain, dark, quality chocolate…but vanilla adds so much flavor to my baked goods, and i adore it too! not fair to make us choose 🙂

  • Melinda
    October 27, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Yumm! I totally agree! I bought about 5 liters of pure clear vanilla extract the last time I was in Mexico and it is soooo much than the bland expensive Vanilla extract we have here. Makes everything better.
    ~Oh on another note- Speaking of Sea Salt chocolate, have you tried Chocolove Bars? Their Sea Salt and Almond bar is the absolute bomb! Sorry but it blows Lindt Chocolate out of the water 🙂

  • Rika
    October 27, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    I’m a chocolate fan too but I despise chocolate icecream! It’s so bitter and bleh! However, I think I’ve grown to be a vanilla person rather than a chocolate person now 😀

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
    October 27, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I like them both too! Dark chocolate with sea salt and caramel through it is my favorite thing on Earth but I also love vanilla extract and vanilla bean flavored anything, including candles!

  • Kendra
    October 27, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I am 100% on team Vanilla. I love it. I don’t actually like chocolate which I am well aware makes me a freak of a girl but I’m down with that.

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    October 27, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I am also a vanilla ice cream lover! I love chocolate, but when it comes to ice cream, I just prefer vanilla.

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story
    October 27, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    I am vanilla all the way. I mean, I don’t kick chocolate out of bed or anything…but I do love vanilla.

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking
    October 27, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    I’m probably more of a vanilla lover. I love anything speckled with vanilla bean flakes. vanilla ice cream, vanilla bean scones, yum! I don’t like chocolate cake either or chocolate icing, but love vanilla!

  • Christine
    October 27, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    For the longest time, I loved chocolate but didn’t like ANYTHING chocolate flavored. As in, no chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate brownies, or chocolate pudding. Now, those days are far behind me and I think everything tastes better when it’s chocolate flavored. That said, I agree with what you’re saying about vanilla. There’s nothing like a good sugar cookie, and I think that good vanilla extract adds so much to things like oatmeal.

    Also, LOVED the post on lemon squares. It would probably make way more sense for me to comment on that one directly, but I’m already here. I am a lemon lover, absolutely, and I think lemon squares are one of the most delicious things ever. Even a bad lemon square is a good lemon square to me. I’ll have to make the Big Sur version soon.

    Love your blog (it’s my favorite, actually), and I can’t wait for whatever your next post will be.

  • Brynn
    October 27, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Chocolate, no question. I can’t remember the last time I went a day without it. I’m with you though, I’ve never liked chocolate ice cream!

  • the veg meg
    October 27, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    as far as ice cream goes, i do not believe in chocolate ice cream. it’s so gross. chocolate is meant to be WARM!

    i like vanilla more, in general, but i get huge chocolate cravings pretty often :]

  • The Wife of a Dairyman
    October 27, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    I am definately a vanilla lover and not just because we have a Dairy! I was once asked {by a child} “Does chocolate milk come from brown cows?” Too cute:)

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
    October 27, 2010 at 12:33 pm

    I am a chocolate feind but I’m with you…chocolate ice cream doesn’t do it like vanilla. I’m starting to really appreciate vanilla as I bake more. I wish I had gotten some more vanilla when I was in Mexico!

  • Krystina (Organically Me)
    October 27, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Not to mention vanilla is an unsung hero in chocolate chip cookies and is a much better scent than chocolate (in my humble opinion).

    I appreciate and love both, but I will never turn down a dark chocolate bar.

  • Amanda (Eating Up)
    October 27, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    Vanilla all the way! I used to think it was chocolate (it goes so well with peanut butter, after all), but I definitely prefer vanilla to chocolate any day.

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    October 27, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    Oh, YUM. I hope I never have to choose!

  • Maria
    October 27, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    I have to say I’m a chocolate lover.. I too have a secret stash of Lindt sea salt chocolate in my kitchen draw.. Makes me happy just thinking about that actually 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    October 27, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    I have to say chocolate, but there is nothing like some good vanilla beans!

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run]
    October 27, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    I am a true dark chocolate fan, but appreciate quality vanilla. Last holiday season my mom and I bought 40LBS! of vanilla beans and made our own vanilla extract =]

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    October 27, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    Vanilla ALLL the way! I’ve never put it in pasta sauce like you mentioned, but I adore it in green monsters and any sort of baked good. It might be plain, but it’s friggin awesome!

  • Susan
    October 27, 2010 at 12:40 pm

    I also love chocolate but not most chocolate ice creams. Maybe we’re on to something here? You need to create a chocolate ice cream that matches the taste of good quality chocolate! I do love Ciao Bella’s chocolate hazelnut gelato – maybe gelato is my exception.

    I need Thanksgiving pie recipes please! There are just too many in food magazines to choose so I’d love if you did a post on your favorites! Also have you posted a gingerbread recipe?

  • emptynut
    October 27, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    When it comes to straight up chocolate….chocolate wins.
    When it comes to desserts, it could be a toss up.
    When it comes to ice cream, vanilla wins (with chocolate bits, infusions, “surprises”…choco chips/chunks, etc in the ice cream).

    I’m horrible when it comes to cookies and sugar. I’ve been eating cookies for breakfast and midnight munchies, no joke.
    That and my hummus and breads and sweet bakery items….and I have a carb problem

    And I don’t exercise. So, I may as well laugh about it and move on.

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    October 27, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    I’m a self-professed dessert-aholic but–even stranger than you–I don’t like ice cream.

  • Ellen
    October 27, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    i’m the same way! i am most definitely a chocolate person, but chocolate ice cream doesn’t do anything for me. vanilla ice cream tastes pure, the vanilla is subtle and you can taste the cream. chocolate ice cream doesn’t even really taste all that chocolatey, and it definitely doesn’t taste like cream. i’ll take a dish of vanilla with some hot fudge, please.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    October 27, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    I’m a chocolate fan… but if its vanilla… it’d better be the good stuff 🙂

  • Khushboo
    October 27, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    Nothing beats a scoop (or 2) of plain vanilla ice cream. Boring, maybe but definitely delicious. I do love chocolate but too much of it in one sitting makes me feel sickly. Vanilla, on the other hand, never brings that problem. In my oatmeal, ice cream, yogurt, cookies- you name it and it’ll probably amp up the flavor

  • Laura
    October 27, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    I’ve always been in vanilla’s corner. I would take some GOOD vanilla over chocolate any day.

  • Nola
    October 27, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    The only chocolate “ice creams” I’ve liked have been more sorbet-like and involved wine in the ingredient list. 🙂

    I’m a caramel/cardamom/cinnamon kind of girl… my favorite dessert of all time is a milk pudding flavored with cardamom, rosewater, and pistachio, not a hint of vanilla or chocolate anywhere.

  • CathyK
    October 27, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    ice cream: must be chocolate, unless it’s chocolate chip ice cream, then i love the vanilla ice cream part. ditto for cookies.
    icing: must be chocolate
    scones: must be vanilla
    love dark chocolate bars. dislike cookies n cream “chocolate” bars.
    so maybe it works out 50-50 in the end?!

  • Kara
    October 27, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Oh man, I’m with you on the “chocolate except ice cream thing” — and also tootsie rolls, Those are on my list of “things that are kind of chocolate but that are actually gross so I don’t eat them.” Blech.

  • Cynthia (It All Changes)
    October 27, 2010 at 1:00 pm

    I only love the darkest chocolate. But vanilla is the perfect ingredient to anything. Even savory stuff 🙂

  • Erica D
    October 27, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Vanilla all the way! I grew up with Columbo Frozen Yogurt soft serve, which had a divine vanilla bean flavor.

  • Karen
    October 27, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    With al your pictures of sweets and vivid descriptions of chocolate….I think you all want us to be FAT !!

  • Debbie
    October 27, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Team chocolate! I discovered the Lindt Dark Chocolate with a Touch of Sea Salt on your blog Jenna, and I always have a stash in my drawer at work. I break off a piece or two each day to savor. Vanilla, for me, is a very complimentary flavor. When making chocolate chip cookies or brownies, I’ve been known to add a little bit extra of a top quality pure vanilla exract! 🙂

  • Hope
    October 27, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    I love all things chocolate, but in the middle of summer theres something special about a vanilla icecream cone with sprinkles on top 🙂

  • Kath
    October 27, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    I’m a vanilla girl too. Chocolate wins my heart every now and then (only dark!) – perhaps 1 week a month – but if I had to live on one and one alone, it would be vanilla bean anything.

  • Taylor
    October 27, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    I’m the same as you – LOVE chocolate. Melty, rich, dark, chocolate. Mmmm. Hate vanilla flavored candies/”chocolates”. But not a chocolate ice cream or froyo fan at all. Vanilla all the way on that one.

  • Karen W
    October 27, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    I am one of “those people” who don’t like chocolate. I know… I will eat it if it is combined with something like peanut butter but don’t really care for things that are 100% chocolatey. Love, love, love vanilla!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    October 27, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    I love chocolate in the form of chocolate bars, but I loooove vanilla. I used to not like vanilla, but i’ve devloped a taste for it in the past few years!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    October 27, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I LOVE VANILLA!!!!!!

    I’ve done entire posts on it…from vanilla coffee creamer, to vanilla extract, vanilla buttercream candles from yankee candle make me go ga-ga with happiness 🙂 Vanilla scented bath products, lotions, oh yes, HUGE Vanilla fan!

    I love chocolate too, but there is something special about vanilla!

    Love your recipe links using it too 🙂

  • katie@ Fab.Fit.Full.
    October 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    I love chocolate but hate chocolate ice cream too! It doesn’t really taste like chocolate at all. Vanilla and caramel is my favorite 🙂

  • Alexia@ Dimple SnatcherA
    October 27, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    girl, i’m the same! i can’t stand chocolate icecream!! ewwww
    but i love chocolate in many other forms: cookies, milk chocolate, etc.
    mmmm.

  • Amber K
    October 27, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    I’m ALL about the vanilla!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries
    October 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    Love chocolate, but with you on the ice cream. And, really, who am I kidding? I love chocolate, but I love all vanilla desserts too!

  • Lisa
    October 27, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    I am with you, I love chocolate, but don’t like chocolate ice cream. Vanilla soft serve is the best… Vanilla is really good plain and simple

  • Evan Thomas
    October 27, 2010 at 1:30 pm

    There is nothing better than pure vanilla bean. But there’s also nothing like dark chocolate. I’m torn!

  • Hilary
    October 27, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    When it comes to ice cream, vanilla is the best imo. You can mix so much stuff with vanilla but it doesn’t overpower the mix ins like I think chocolate does. I’m definitely more of a chocolate person when not talking about ice cream. My day feels incomplete if I don’t have chocolate at some point!

  • Jocelyn @ Peace.Love.Nutrition
    October 27, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    i LOVE chocolate- I don’t understand you haha : )

  • Julie @SavvyEats
    October 27, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I, too, love chocolate but am not a huge fan of chocolate ice cream. Usually.

  • Kelly
    October 27, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I completely agree…when it comes to ice cream I am a vanilla lover as well. 🙂

  • Andie
    October 27, 2010 at 2:06 pm

    Yum!!! I love your blog! I love chocolate, but where would we be without vanilla extract and beautiful vanilla beans? Wondering if you’ve tried Vosges Barcelona bar- Shaved almonds and sea salt in a chocolate bar that is inbetween milk and dark chocolate? I buy the Lindt bar too,but am in LOVE with the Barcelona Bar.
    A

  • Kelly
    October 27, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    VANILLA… all the way…vanilla ice cream, vanilla cake, vanilla oreos, vanilla frosting, vanilla Frosty’s, vanilla milkshakes, vanilla, vanilla, vanilla 😀

    but I do like brownies… with vanilla ice cream on top

  • Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
    October 27, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    I am definitely a vanilla-lover! Ice cream, frosting, you name it. My favorite though? The way that vanilla extract smells…I could just inhale it!

  • Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
    October 27, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    I think I am a bit of both. I love the subtle sweetness of vanilla, but I also love dark chocolate. However I don’t eat too much chocolate and hate chocolate icecream too.

  • MaryZ
    October 27, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    I’m a total vanilla lover too. Vanilla latte, vanilla vodka, vanilla ice cream, vanilla bean…you can just do so much with the flavor.

  • Cynthia
    October 27, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    I really love a good dark chocolate, but I can’t eat it very much due to migraines. 🙁

    I adore vanilla though. I put the spice in a lot of stuff and I love the scent of it. Soo good. The smell always puts a smile on my face.

  • Nicole @ Body By Beer
    October 27, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    I absolutely love vanilla. I’m not a die hard chocolate fanatic, but do enjoy a piece on special occasions. Vanilla, however, I have a hard time resisting. When I crave vanilla, I think of foryo with a little cinnamon on top.

  • babycakes
    October 27, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    I actually hate chocolate and totally LOVE love love vanilla 🙂

  • Liz
    October 27, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    Chocolate ice cream is fine, in my opinion… especially if you get Godiva or an all-natural brand… it’s a more intense, “real” chocolate.

    But I agree, it’s not the same as chocolate chocolate. I do actually prefer vanilla, I think. It’s kind of hard to choose. Give me a good fudgy brownie, or a German chocolate cake, and it’s great. And I, too, eat Nutella straight out of the jar! But I’m not one of those people who have chocolate cravings. I would say I literally never have chocolate OR vanilla cravings. If I crave sweets, it’s citrus or mint. As for ice cream… I love vanilla, but mostly because it is so neutral. You can put anything on even the best vanilla ice cream, and change it up. And, it’s a good accompaniment to other things, like pie or cake.

  • Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
    October 27, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    homemade vanilla!!!! the only way to go! Rum+vanilla beans+mason jar+a couple months=vanilla dreams!
    love,
    cathy B. @ brightbakes

  • Megan
    October 27, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Give me vanilla anyday over chocolate!

  • Wine Girl (Kitchen Doesn't Travel)
    October 27, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Like you, I love all things chocolate but don’t love chocolate ice cream or pudding. I much prefer vanilla in either of those formats.

  • Pure2raw Twins
    October 27, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    I am more of a chocolate lover!! Michelle is a little bit of both but more vanilla sometimes than chocolate.

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
    October 27, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    Vanilla all the way…but especially with ice cream! I am not even tempted by chocolate ice cream.

  • Allison
    October 27, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Vanilla is so under-appreciated! Thanks for reviving interest!

  • lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore)
    October 27, 2010 at 2:53 pm

    chocolate. vanilla can suck it.

  • Shayla
    October 27, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    Love this post Jenna! I’m just like you – absolutely love a chocolate bar with nuts, sea salt, caramel, you name it…but when it comes to ice cream, vanilla is the clear winner! I absolutely hate chocolate ice cream, it’s just too “much” for me. But vanilla soft serve yogurt or ice cream is pure, creamy, luscious bliss! 🙂

  • Karen
    October 27, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    Team Vanilla, for me! I am the rare one that is completely disinterested in chocolate, yet covet all things vanilla.

  • Jenna
    October 27, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    I love chocolate, but if I was forced to choose, I would between chocolate and vanilla – vanilla wins. This is particularly true when it comes to ice cream. I go through vanilla like crazy when baking; I have my first homemade batch of vanilla extract resting to use for holiday baking.

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In
    October 27, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    I’m the same as you – a total chocoholic, but vanilla ice cream will always win! I love the simplicity and richness.

    I was just looking at a dessert menu from the restaurant we’re going to tonight, and they have a dessert that is chocolate ice cream, chocolate ganash, and mint. I think I’m going to get it but substitute vanilla ice cream. BOMBBBB

  • XTINA
    October 27, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: GOAT

  • Kasey
    October 27, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    I LOVE chocolate! But like you, I’m not a fan of chocolate ice cream.

  • Liz @ Blog is the New Black
    October 27, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Definitely a chocolate fan, but I don’t say no to vanilla either!!!

  • Jasmine @ Eat move Write
    October 27, 2010 at 3:39 pm

    I’m a chocolate fan, unless we’re talking about an old fashioned malt. I love vanilla malts. Amazing.

  • monicanelsonfitness
    October 27, 2010 at 3:50 pm

    you may have convinced me to think about vanilla much more over chocolate. 🙂 Never saw that day coming!

  • Stephanie
    October 27, 2010 at 4:03 pm

    I’m definitely a vanilla fan. I don’t like chocolate icecream. The occaisonal couple of bites of Rocky Road are enough to last me months. I do like brownies and chocolate chip cookies though, but give me something with vanilla with caramel any day!

  • laura (Starloz)
    October 27, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    im more a vanilla girl but chocolate is always in my thoughts

  • Kelsey
    October 27, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    I don’t really like chocolate ice cream either. I’ve always been a vanilla girl. Vanilla always reminds me of winter just because of all the baking!

  • Dee
    October 27, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    ahh! i thought I was the only one who loved chocolate and dislike chocolate ice cream! I’m so glad to know I’m not alone!

    ps. I don’t think I can choose between vanilla or chocolate right now. LOL!

  • Anne @ Your Kind of Salad
    October 27, 2010 at 4:55 pm

    Vanilla 4-eva! Vanilla, Caramel and then maybe Chocolate 🙂

  • Red
    October 27, 2010 at 4:59 pm

    Vanilla rules! I rarely eat chocolate but then I am also a strange girl in many other ways…

  • Meaghen
    October 27, 2010 at 5:16 pm

    I do love chocolate, but I adore vanilla. The way it smells, the depth it adds to dishes. And you’re right, it is simple and elegant.

    When I think of vanilla, I think of all that is good in the world. Whe I think of chocolate I think of all that is decadant!

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
    October 27, 2010 at 5:22 pm

    I’m definitely a chocolate lover, but like you, I don’t care for chocolate ice cream.

  • Caitlin (EatFeats)
    October 27, 2010 at 5:44 pm

    Vanilla! I do not have a taste for chocolate.

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    October 27, 2010 at 5:47 pm

    definitely a chocoholic, but i do also LOVE chocolate ice cream… i only get vanilla when it is to go with something else

  • Ashley
    October 27, 2010 at 6:25 pm

    to me vanilla is the behind the scenes guy. There are few things (besides ice cream) that I love that is vanilla flavored but it totally makes alot of desserts like chocolate chip cookies and coffee cakes. It doesn’t take the stage but like salt it makes everything taste better and more amazing.
    The smell however is the most amazing thing ever. It is definitely up there with roses, lavender and rosemary (and thats a tough crowd to compete with).

  • amyjogo
    October 27, 2010 at 6:29 pm

    Vanilla. All the way. It goes with EVERYTHING. And it smells incredible. And it’s creamy. And comforting. AND I could go on, but I won’t.

  • Stephanie Rose
    October 27, 2010 at 6:34 pm

    Oh, man! This is a toughy! I love to eat out of my choco stashes as well, but there’s nothing better than eating warm blueberry cobbler drizzled with melted vanilla ice cream!

  • laurie
    October 27, 2010 at 6:35 pm

    One word: Haggan Daas Vanilla Swiss Almond!! (Oh wait, that’s 5 words!!)

  • Jenny
    October 27, 2010 at 6:49 pm

    I LOVE chocolate but I’m the same about vanilla, it’s light and refreshing. Vanilla bean anything is pretty much amazing. I’d have to go with vanilla now that I think about it….

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape
    October 27, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    I’m with you on not liking chocolate ice cream. Vanilla is where it’s at!!

  • Suzanne de Cornelia
    October 27, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    Small very occasional bits of chocolate, wc could live without. Love everything vanilla for all the reasons stated. Even start every day with organic vanilla non-fat yogurt, chopped walnuts & fresh fruit. LOVE.

  • Paige @ Running Around Normal
    October 27, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    I’m the same way! I looooove me some chocolate, but vanilla is where it’s at when it comes to ice cream 🙂
    Loooovely!

  • Erin
    October 27, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    You know I’m a total chocoholic but have hated chocolate ice cream and chocolate milk since I was a kid. I now feel partially validated in this strange discrepancy of my life.
    Vanilla makes me happy too. Especially vanilla cream things. And vanilla ice cream. And malts. Mmm.

  • Kerry
    October 27, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    Grasping at straws.

  • Katherine @ Left Coast Contessa
    October 27, 2010 at 7:32 pm

    I love love love dark chocolate but I agree, vanilla ice cream is so good.

  • Candice @ ChiaSeedMe
    October 27, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    How can you make us choose?!?

    I’d take either one pretty much anytime of the day. For ice cream, I prefer vanilla. For cake, vanilla. I’d probably have to go with chocolate for just about everything else.

    I love the picture of that latte – so pretty!

  • Janice
    October 27, 2010 at 8:00 pm

    You are RIGHT ON!!!!! There is nothing like Vanilla. Simple, elegant and pure. Don’t get me wrong I love chocolate, but vanilla is something else…… 🙂

  • Anni
    October 27, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    I love chocolate, but I do not like chocolate ice cream! I’d much rather have vanilla with chocolate sauce. 🙂

  • Cara Craves...
    October 27, 2010 at 9:22 pm

    I think you are making me crave chocolate!

    I am a chocolate girl, but one needs the balance of vanilla and chocolate in one’s life. You can’t have pie without vanilla ice cream!

  • Amy K. @ Onehealthypeanut
    October 27, 2010 at 9:31 pm

    I totally agree about chocolate ice cream! I am actually not a fan of chocolate cake either, but everything else I LOVE! Vanilla has an airiness and sweetness that you don’t really get with chocolate. Vanilla in pasta sauce, I NEVER would have thought about that 🙂

  • Danielle
    October 27, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    Chocolate wins every time… unless it’s topping a pie, then I see nothing but vanilla.

  • Juani
    October 28, 2010 at 12:39 am

    I also love chocolate,but prefer vanilla cookies and ice cream to the chocolate version.And when it comes to milkshakes,I prefer strawberry flavored.Guess it’s true – variety is the spice of life.

  • Cati @ crave and create
    October 28, 2010 at 3:29 am

    I love bittersweet, dark chocolate. And like you, I don’t like chocolate ice cream–definitely prefer vanilla or almost any fruit flavor. I’ve found, however, that I do like chocolate sorbet. Weird.

    The only reason that I can think of is that there’s something about the dairy–fat, maybe–that cuts down on that intensity that I love in chocolate. Sort of like the way using heavy cream in Northern Indian curries cuts down on the spice.

    Interesting observations! I was surprised to hear that so many people find chocolate ice cream boring. 🙂

  • Sarah
    October 28, 2010 at 6:02 am

    I’m the same way…I don’t like chocolate icecream…but I love vanilla icecream with chocolatey toppings!

  • Charise
    October 28, 2010 at 6:12 am

    I’m with you on the chocolate ice cream – it just doesn’t taste right to me. I am all for chocolate mix-ins (although caramel sauce is my fave, too!), but the ice cream base has gotta be vanilla. And I prefer a good vanilla (or spice!) cake to chocolate versions. But who doesn’t like a good-quality chocolate bar?

  • AllieNic @Frisky Lemon
    October 28, 2010 at 6:57 am

    I’m the same way: I love dark chocolate and chocolate candy of all types…but I’d rather have a vanilla based ice cream…with chocolate candy IN it…like…Peanut butter cups

  • Nelly@CrazySexyFit
    October 28, 2010 at 8:03 am

    I like chocolate chocolate (that is, no milk or white chocolate – just the real thing!) but I like vanilla everything else. I’ve even taken to putting a splash of extract into my coffee some mornings. It’s also heavenly stirred into unflavoured yoghurt.

    Had a roomie in college whose mother gave her a dorm-warming gift of an ENORMOUS bottle of homemade vanilla. That’s high-class vodka with vanilla beans that have just been soaking in it for months to years until the liquor’s a deep brown and intensely fragrant. It lasts forever, since every time it starts looking low you just add more vodka and (every now and then) another bean!

  • Mary
    October 28, 2010 at 9:56 am

    Vanilla all the way!!

    Yes, I am a strange girl, but I only like chocolate on very rare occasions.

  • Megan
    October 28, 2010 at 10:19 am

    Uh, both? I’m pretty much one of the biggest chocoholics I know and that Lindt Sea Salt Dark Chocolate is amazing!!! A warm chocolate chip cookie and hot chocolate are my winter staples and my aunt Mary’s chocolate cake should be illegal it’s so good but, every now and then I go on an all out vanilla kick. I prefer vanilla ice cream to chocolate by about a mile and sometimes a little sweet vanilla caramel is what my soul needs.

  • Mariel
    October 28, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    Amen sister! I’m totally a chocoholic that hates chocolate icecream…vanilla for me anyday! This post really spoke to me! 🙂

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    October 29, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I’m with you! Lindt chocolate is the absolute best, and I don’t like chocolate ice cream either. I tend to gravitate towards ice creams with lots of mix-ins.

  • Kristen
    October 30, 2010 at 3:38 pm

    Vanilla soft serve with caramel is my favorite ice cream. I’m not really a fan of chocolate. The only kind I like is white chocolate.

  • adrianna
    October 31, 2010 at 7:01 pm

    i, too, love chocolate but loathe chocolate ice cream. i dont know why…just cant like it. so if forced to choose, i’m vanilla all the way. its my coffee creamer, my cake/cupcake, my ice cream/yogurt…love. it.