Tonka Beans

With Tonka Beans less is more as the taste/fragrance is so strong you only need a very small amount; just the gratings of approximately 1/8-1/4 of a bean.
They are actually a member of the pea family, Dipteryx Oderata, but the seed is actually more of a bean shape.
The fragrance and taste work in combination together, providing strong vanilla, cherry, cinnamon, caramel and honey. Smokey notes can also come through.
Use the gratings of a Tonka bean much the same as nutmeg into the base for ice cream, pannacotta, custards, creme brulee etc.
They can also be combined with cocoa and chocolate in chocolate cakes and biscuits and of course desserts.
Like vanilla, Tonka Beans can also be used in savoury cooking, such as fish dishes.