Kitchen

[Foxxee]

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@kittyloo wrote:

@Foxxee   

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@Foxxee wrote:

I use Nielson Massey Vanilla extract made with vanilla beans from the Bourbon Island of Madagasgar.  Pricy at $90 for 32 ounces not too long ago.  

I like it so much, never thought of making my own. 

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i want to know how long it takes you to use that much. that's 4 cups!  long ago, i was gifted a bottle (about that size) from a friend who brought it back from Mexico.

i ended up tossing it after several years, i had barely put a dent in it.  

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@kittyloo 

Several years.  I do a lot of baking.  I'm guilty of using double the amount in recipes. I even add extra to cake mixes.  

It has 35% alcohol in it.  I wouldn't discard it if it still tasted OK.  

[aubnwa01]

Ive never done it, since I don't bake or use vanilla extract in anything, but on the Instant Pot Community Facebook page a lot of folks post about making vanilla extract in their IPs.

[Nightowlz]

If you don't want to make your own Penzey's has theirs on sale. I think it ends today after they extended the sale.

[SandySparkles]

I have only used Neilsen Massey vanilla PASTE for years, and LOVE it. I use it any recipe that calls for vanilla extract. When I was younger, I discovered the paste while watching a cooking show, and never looked back. It does not have the stronger,  alcohol taste of extract. I also like the flecks of vanilla beans. Although I understand the reason for the high prices after much of the crop was destroyed a few years ago, some of the current reasons are unflattering-Google it if you are interested. I still buy it, because I like it that much, but, I currently pay over 100 dollars for 32 ounces. The smaller 4 oz. jars run in the mid 20's. If you have not used it before, give it a try.😊

~~~All we need is LOVE💖

[rezski]

Cstco Kirkland vanilla is 29.99 for 16 oz now, down from around $35 a year ago.  I use more imatation vanilla than  Iused to as I read in baked or heated foods it holds up better. So use half real and half fake.  All real in non heated recipes.  I remember when the Costco vanilla was $7 a few years ago.

[Harpa]

@Nightowlz 

Penzy's is very expensive, if you ask me! I end up with over 12 ounces @$60, so I guess mine isn't that expensive after all.

I just saw 2 skinny, teensy beans selling for $10 in the grocery. My recent ones were twice that size, but the farmer's market vendor used to have the chubbiest beans. 

@SandySparkles

The vanilla paste sounds good, but I guess that is a special order.

[Nightowlz]

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@Harpa wrote:

@Nightowlz 

Penzy's is very expensive, if you ask me! I end up with over 12 ounces @$60, so I guess mine isn't that expensive after all.

I just saw 2 skinny, teensy beans selling for $10 in the grocery. My recent ones were twice that size, but the farmer's market vendor used to have the chubbiest beans. 

@SandySparkles

The vanilla paste sounds good, but I guess that is a special order.

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@Harpa 

Check out the prices of beans at Beanilla. You can get a glass bottle to make 8oz vanilla that comes with 7 beans for $45.45 plus you furnish the alcohol.

[GenXmuse]

I prefer Mexican vanilla, Usomacinta is my favorite brand. 

[Harpa]

I would love to do a side-by-side taste test!

Each type is slightly different:

• Madagascar Vanilla - rich and creamy.
• Mexican Vanilla - bold, dark, smokey.
• Indian Vanilla - full, chocolate.
• Indonesian Vanilla - mild, well balanced.
• Tahitian Vanilla - floral, cherry-chocolate.
• Tonga Vanilla - earthy, fig, raisin.

[violann]

@Harpa DON'T EVEN THINK OF IT! Squeeze that penny (dollars!) from someplace else and ENJOY YOUR LUSCIOUS VANILLA.