Vanilla vs. Vanilla Extract
My life has been sanitized by writing. More specifically, I've been wiped clean by editing.
The other day, I had a chance to try some real vanilla -- not vanilla extract but the actual vanilla plant. It has a complex, strong flavor that must be served with something else to dilute it. I was surprised and dissappointed by the mushy yet distinctive taste. Where was the cleanness of vanilla extract, that dependable essence of cookie?
Taking something real and extracting only the essential qualities leads to a powerful, pure, predictable experience. This is writing and editing. But do it too much and you end up with Vanilla Coke, Dreyer's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and even ForPlay Vanilla flavored lubricant -- all different, but all with the same underlying familiar essence.
Expecting the extract can blind you and set your expectations wrong for what is real. Mom's home cooked meal may be too spicy or too bland. It may be lacking that theme, that potent plot, but it's mom's. It's real.
The other day, I had a chance to try some real vanilla -- not vanilla extract but the actual vanilla plant. It has a complex, strong flavor that must be served with something else to dilute it. I was surprised and dissappointed by the mushy yet distinctive taste. Where was the cleanness of vanilla extract, that dependable essence of cookie?
Taking something real and extracting only the essential qualities leads to a powerful, pure, predictable experience. This is writing and editing. But do it too much and you end up with Vanilla Coke, Dreyer's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and even ForPlay Vanilla flavored lubricant -- all different, but all with the same underlying familiar essence.
Expecting the extract can blind you and set your expectations wrong for what is real. Mom's home cooked meal may be too spicy or too bland. It may be lacking that theme, that potent plot, but it's mom's. It's real.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home