vanilla flavoring

[peacherina]

Let me ask you a question. What type of Vanilla Flavoring do you like best? Do you use the imitation kind. Thanks.

[Mrs. Chipotle]

I don't like to use imitation vanilla. However, if you do use it, you should use about one-half more of the measurement because it is not as concentrated as pure extract.

I confess I cannot find real vanilla that I love this side of the Mexican border, though. (What is it about Mexican vanilla, anyway? Nothing compares). I tried both the paste and the liquid from Williams-Sonoma but I was not impressed. The paste in particular tasted very mediciney.

[Twinmama]

AGREED!! A friend brought us back some real Vanilla from her Mexican vacation and it is some phenomenal stuff.

[peacherina]

I will have to try that some mexican vanilla. Maybe you can purchase it online somewhere. Thanks for the info!

[Mama Mangia]

I haven't bought any in years! I make mine with vodka/vanilla beans.

[expatgirl]

Our Wal-Marts in Houston carry authentic Mexican vanilla----it's called "La Vencedora" and the label informs that it is natural vanilla concentrated product of Mexico, winner of the Diploma of Honor Gold Medal, First Prize. 31.78 fluid oz. or 940ml. I found it in the Mexican food section. It's very good!! Maybe you can contact WalMart.

[Kaabi]

I'm not sure if the vanilla extract I have is imitation, I'm pretty sure it isn't. When I was younger, I smelled the vanilla and it smelled so good, so I took a little swag of it. I discovered then just because something smells good doesn't mean it tastes good.

[TexasRose]

Isn't that the truth! Wow, I can't imagine just taking a big drink of vanilla. Blech!

[GregGraves]

I've never tasted vanilla straight but only use the real thing. It was really costly a few years ago because of typhoons hurting the plants in Madagascar - a huge producer of vanilla beans. Besides that vanilla is costly because of the huge time factor it takes to extract the essence in the alcohol.

Hey Mama, how long do you soak the beans? I've read that it takes like 9 months to get the extract out of the beans.

[GregGraves]

I haven't bought any in years! I make mine with vodka/vanilla beans.

Doesn't that take like 9 months to do?