Remarkably aromatic and delightfully sensuous, vanilla is an exotic spice that has been steeped in history, legend, science, and culinary enchantments since its discovery. Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonec people of Mexico. Then, in the 15th century, the Aztecs conquered the Totonec people and required tribute in the form of vanilla beans. Later, the Spanish conquistadors were indoctrinated into the joys of vanilla…