It's hard to imagine a kitchen void of vanilla. Its full rich, universally popular taste and enticing aroma is irreplaceable in cookies, cakes, custards, ice creams-- almost every conceivable sweet-- and a few savory dishes, too. Native to Mexico, today's main varieties come from Mexico, Madagascar, India, Reunion Island (Vanilla planifolia) and Tahiti (Vanilla tahitensis). Bourbon beans are from Madagascar.