Vanilla

I don't do much baking but I do use Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste. I got mine from Lorann Gourmet through Amazon.com.

1 Tbsp. of vanilla bean paste = 1 vanilla bean
1 tsp. of vanilla bean paste = 1 tsp. vanilla extract

LorAnn’s finest Pure Vanilla Extract uses only the best vanilla beans grown on the islands of Madagascar. Also known as "bourbon vanilla" these beans are aged to perfection on the vine to produce a rich, creamy, smooth flavor that blends beautifully with a variety of food.

Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste -- http://www.amazon.com/LorAnn-Extracts-N ... Bean+Paste

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste -- http://www.amazon.com/Nielsen-Massey-Va ... Bean+Paste

Cathy (Webb) Frederick--Cathy's Designer Cookies-- just posted a blurb on her FB page about vanilla. Cathy has taught many cookie making and decorating classes at Cooking at the Cottage and I can attest that her cookies are fabulous! She said she uses the Nielson-Massey vanilla. Also, she talks about a product called vanilla paste available at Cooking at the Cottage. I haven't tried it but certainly will be!

Tried to provide the link? If it doesn't work just search for Cathy's Designer Cookies on FB.
http://www.facebook.com/CathysCookies?ref=stream

Carla-
See- told ya!
Deb

And this is why I go to you guys for info!

My mom swears by the Bourbon Barrel vanilla extract you can get at Rainbow Blossom or from Grasshoppers Distribution. I haven't personally tried it yet.

NUTS N STUFF, 1000 Barret Ave. LOCALLY owned family operation. He has fine high grade vanilla.

And you can get all you other cooking ingredients at the same time.

Just Saying,

Richard

My mom swears by the Bourbon Barrel vanilla extract you can get at Rainbow Blossom or from Grasshoppers Distribution. I haven't personally tried it yet.

Kari,
I love the Bourbon Barrel vanilla extract too, but use it in recipes where the very slight bourbon flavor will enhance my recipes ( it's aged in KY bourbon barrels- not the same As the Madgascar vanilla sometimes referred to as Bourbon Vanilla. ) Locally made by Bourbon Barrel Foods but now available nationwide - I've seen their products highly rated in several cooking magazines- very cool!
Deb

Carla,

Correction- I saw the Nielsen Massey Bourbon Vanilla I use at Earth Fare ( Summit) last night. I bet that's where I saw it before- rather than Trader Joe.

Did you ever buy your vanilla?

Deb

Not yet. Went into a trader Joes today to get it and got so distracted by other things I or got why I was there in the first place. I'll pick one of the suggested brands up as I get closer to baking time.

I know how that goes...

Okay- if you do go to EarthFare to find it, it's kind of in a weird place. There is a baking ingredients freestanding display by the juices/ dairy products. It's in there. So far, all the employees there have been very helpful, I'm guessing you can just ask them too.

Deb

Cool, thanks!

Wound up with small bottles of Neilson-Massey and another of Langsdon (UK). Will let you how it goes.

Just to get back with what I thought re the 2 vanillas. Picked up...
Loved the Neilson-Massey but the Langsdon from UK, not so much. It has a somewhat bitter back bite which kind of defeats why I like vanilla to begin with. I like that round, creaminess that vanilla usually adds. So now I know. Thanks again for the advice.