Almond extract, used in baked goods and desserts, tastes nothing like almonds. That's because it is made with bitter almond oil and ethyl alcohol. Whole bitter almonds are technically inedible, but their oil has a strong, sweet flavor.
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Almond Extract"Pure" extract is made with bitter almonds, whereas "natural" extract contains cassia bark essence. "Imitation" extract contains synthetic chemicals that mimic the almond flavor.
HOW TO USE
Use almond extract in your baking or whip it into toppings and fillings. It's complementary with most pitted fruits; you'll often find almond extract used in cherry, apricot, and peach desserts. Because the flavor is so intense, almond extract should be used sparingly.
