Recipes

[coffee drinker]

I was at Costco yesterday and noticed the price of Kirkland pure vanilla extract has finally gone down.  $20 for a 16 oz. bottle.  Not too long ago, it was almost $35.  I started making it using a cheap bottle of vodka and vanilla beans from Amz.  The beans I bought about 1.5 years ago were $21 for 10 and are $10.95 today.

[Citrine1]

That's a good deal.  A 16 oz bottle of McCormick's vanilla extract is $39.99

[deepwaterdotter]

I always purchase my vanilla at Costco.  I find the Kirkland brand to be of good quality at a fair price.

[JeanLouiseFinch]

Years ago, I would get my vanilla extract from Mexico, if DH had a business trip or I knew someone going there on vacation.  These days I always buy my vanilla at Costco. I think it’s a quality product.  The investment seems high but the overall cost is better than buying 1 ounce bottles more often at a regular supermarket.  Sometimes you can’t find the good stuff there anyway, only imitation.  The only thing that bugs me about my bottle of Kirkland vanilla extract is the cardboard disc inside the cap that gets so wet and flimsy.  

[DiAnne]

I get my vanilla from Penzey's but if I baked a lot I would probably purchase it at Costco.

[homedecor1]

I transferred my vanilla into this type of bottle.  Can't wait for a cruise again just for the Mexico stop to stock up on vanilla.

I poured the large one I bought in Mexico into a glass bottle like this (I don't like plastic).

@JeanLouiseFinch 

[mare54]

Make my own. Been doing it now for almost 3 years. Also I have a batch of chocolate extract brewing right now. 

[coffee drinker]

If anyone is interested and doesn't want to spend a bundle on pure vanilla extract,  America's Test Kitchen recommended Baker's Imitation Vanilla Flavor.  Walmart has 8 oz. Bottle for .99.  I've used it when pure vanilla extract prices were out of site and before I made my own and it was very good.

[coffee drinker]

@mare54   How do you make the chocolate extract?

[mare54]

@coffee drinker  I purchased some cacao nibs off of Amazon. I put 1/2 c nibs to 8 oz of vodka. It's been brewing for about a month. I will strain and add another 1/2 of nibs in about 2 months. Then let it go for another 3 months. It's my first time to make it, so we'll see if it turns out.