Question for bakers...

[Mirielle]

Want to try a new vanilla extract for baking sugar cookies and pound cakes. Have always used McCormick but want something different. Hoping to find an extract that adds "something special". What's your favorite?

 

[mombrontrent]

I use the Kirkland brand from Costco, real vanilla not artificial
Also try adding a small amount of almond extract, delicious

 

[SaintsManiac]

I love the Costco brand. I just started using this kind and it’s good. Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla, with Pure Vanilla Extract, 11 oz. Bottle (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046EJ570/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_6ViCFjbAi55bV

 

[mmouse37]

I have been using the Costco brand for years. The bottle lasts a long time. I also have been on the search for a clear vanilla as I do not like when I use regular vanilla in a white glaze it turns it an off white color. I bought a bottle of clear Mexican vanilla on Amazon recently and have used it a few times. A distinctly different taste than regular vanilla....not a bad flavor just very different.

MJ

 

[MarkLT1]

We use the Kirkland stuff here, as well as Watkins. Both are great!

 

[Mirielle]

The Costco brand won't come up for me...would have loved to try it. Watkins will be my choice. THANK YOU!!!

 

[Cramden]

I'm a big fan of all Nielsen Massey extracts. Their Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract is my favorite. it's pricey but has amazing flavor. I buy it in quarts but you can find it on Amazon in smaller units.

 

[AMW86]

I'm a big fan of all Nielsen Massey extracts. Their Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract is my favorite. it's pricey but has amazing flavor. I buy it in quarts but you can find it on Amazon in smaller units.

This. or vanilla paste instead of extract

 

[NYCgrrl]

Another user of vanilla paste here. Seems to last longer and I love the little flecks of colour aka seeds especially in oatmeal:

https://shop.kingarthurflour.com/items/vanilla-bean-paste-4-oz

 

[kyton]

Vanilla Paste here too but I do also have 2 large Kirkland extracts just in case.

 

[mombrontrent]

Another user of vanilla paste here. Seems to last longer and I love the little flecks of colour aka seeds especially in oatmeal:

https://shop.kingarthurflour.com/items/vanilla-bean-paste-4-oz

That looks really good, might have to try it

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Another Nielsen Massey fan here. And also a user of vanilla bean paste (great in homemade ice cream, yogurt, and pound cake). And a huge fan of whole vanilla beans -- save the used beans -- they are so useful in many things!

 

[NotUrsula]

Lochhead. (A few years ago, Lochhead decided to split the product line into a food service division and a retail division; the new retail packaging name for Lochhead Extracts is "Cooks". The product is the same, but the name on the package is different.

They explain the different varieties on their website: https://cooksvanilla.shop/pages/varieties-of-vanilla

I'll also buy Penzey's in a pinch.

 

[low-key]

buy them and tell everyone you baked them

 

[ronandannette]

Has anyone had luck making their own by steeping vanilla beans in vodka?

 

[DLgal]

Neilsen Massey user here too.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Has anyone had luck making their own by steeping vanilla beans in vodka?

Never done it myself but there are tons of how tos on the 'net.

 

[Mirielle]

DH is pushing me to do all this baking, so he's only too happy for me to order anything necessary for success. I believe, with the exception of the extract from Costco, I've ordered everything suggested. THANK YOU for the recommendations.

And steeping vanilla beans in vodka...how would they be used? Sounds enticing!

 

[DLgal]

DH is pushing me to do all this baking, so he's only too happy for me to order anything necessary for success. I believe, with the exception of the extract from Costco, I've ordered everything suggested. THANK YOU for the recommendations.

And steeping vanilla beans in vodka...how would they be used? Sounds enticing!

Well, you could use it for vanilla vodka, but traditionally, that is how you make vanilla extract. It's beans soaked in alcohol.

Vanilla beans (good quality ones) are INSANELY expensive though, so this wouldn't be very cost effective to do at home, as you need a LOT of vanilla beans to make extract.

 

[ljcrochet]

Has anyone had luck making their own by steeping vanilla beans in vodka?

I was just going to say my favorite was the one I made.


I'm currently using one that I was given as a gift from Cozumel.