Tonka beans, ground

They are the seeds of the tonka bean fruit, originating from northern South America, and are increasingly finding their way into home gourmet kitchens: tonka beans. In the kitchen, tonka beans are primarily used in desserts, often grated. Tonka bean powder can be incorporated into a wide variety of sweet dishes - as an ingredient in ice cream, yogurt, pralines, or creme brulee; in various baked goods such as souffles, cakes, or cookies; or as a clever secret ingredient in tomato sauces. Tonka beans can be used very effectively as a vanilla substitute in any recipe that calls for vanilla. However, it is crucial to use tonka beans and their powder sparingly, as warnings about side effects from excessive dosage are common.