Hi everyone. My computer died a month ago and now that I have it back all of the websites I had saved are gone . I've tried searching, but there are thousands of posts with the word vanilla in them. Not long ago there was a post that addressed favorite vanilla brands and where to get them. I like Nielsen Massey and I buy it in the 32oz bottle from chefscatalog.com. Someone on here suggested another site that was much cheaper, but I can't find it. Any help will be much appreciated . Thank you!

If you buy your own beans (I buy mine on ebay, great price) make your own vanilla extract, it is even better than Nielsen Massey, which is pretty good, BTW.

I don't think you'll be able to find a better grade / quality than making your own extract and can't beat the price. Let me know if you are interested on instructions on how to make your own.

Regarding the thread you can't find, sorry, have no clue ... good luck!

I think this might be the place.. I get mine there: http://www.surfasonline.com/productlines/186.cfm

nefgaby, how do you make your own vanilla extract? Please, do tell!!
Leslie

I started my first bottles of vanilla about 5 months ago!!! I love love love it!! Can't get enough of it!!!

I buy the vanilla beans online through Amazon (company is something like JR Mushrooms, etc). They have wonderful prices!! I can get about 20 beans for around $19!!!. Then all I do is buy a fifth of vodka... shove some beans in the bottle and I let it sit in the closet for around 3-5 months. Some say it is good shortly after you start but the longer you let it sit, the BETTER it is!! I know some use bourbon also but I like the vodka. You can do a search on this site or on the web for lots of good info!! I won't ever go back to store bought vanilla!!!

Thanks everybody! The surfasonline site is the one I was looking for, and I'm also going to try making my own. That price on Amazon is great, a friend of mine just paid $12 for one bean at Publix!! We're going to go in together and get beans and make the vanilla.

Thanks again!

Sorry for the late reply (I haven't been getting notifications from CC).

Anyway, I buy 40 "extract grade B" vanilla beans from ebay for $12, free shipping. For every bottle of vodka (75ml) you are supposed to use 40 beans. Cut them in 3rds and then lenght wise to expose the little "seeds". Add a Tbsp of super fine sugar and let sit for at least 1 month in a dark and cool place, shake everyday. Better if you use a darker bottle, not clear. I buy Skyy vodka, so the blue bottle is perfect.

I've tried several methods and by far this is the best and easiest. I know 40 beans sounds like a lot but trust me, turns out amazing every time! Very important, must be EXTRACT GRADE B Vanilla Beans. They are cheaper and makes the best vanilla. I tried once with the "fancy" expensive ones and it is not as good as the cheaper kind.

Hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions.

nefgaby - I just received my beans in the mail. I have the fifth of vodka - and the beans are all stuffed in there. Now, do you strain the vanilla before you use it? (I can see LOTS of little beans floating around in there!) I won't mind it being like that in the cake mix, but I am thinking not so much in the icings.....what do you do? AND - do you add more vodka to this as it is used? Or do you just toss those beans when you are done with that fifth and start all over with fresh? Thanks for your help on this.

Wow, now I want to make my own vanilla too!!!

Do you think it would be possible to make a "double strength" vanilla with the homemade? Would it just be twice the amount of beans in the vodka?

Does the brand of vodka affect the end product? Can I get away with a cheapo bottle or am I better off investing in the good stuff?

Here is a great site...


www.vanillafoodcompany.ca

I bought madagascar grade "B" beans on ebay for a fraction of the amount they have them for. They were nice and flexible, and plumb full of beans! My vanilla is only a few days old and is already dark and delicious smelling!
I also bought the "medium grade" vodka, not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either.

I can't wait to be able to try it!!

My DD went to Cozumel and brought me back some clear real vanilla too. It isn't perfectly clear, and it has some whole beans in it - (NO coumarin) I will try it later this week too. I always thought it was artificial if it wasn't brown? (or am I naieve here??) This is a very light color - and it smells really good too.

Ok, I don't know whether to be jealous that you found nearly-clear real vanilla or that your hubby just got back from Cozumel! Maybe that's why the sun is finally shining in Ohio! Tell him I say thank you for the warm weather.

It was my Daughter! (NO WAY would I let my DH go without ME!!)

The brand name on the bottle is Totonac - website is www.vanillatotnacs.com

I never really thought of making my own vanilla extract or that it would be so easy! We went to Cozymel last year & bought 2 huge bottles & I've already used them up.

duplicate post

Anyway, I buy 40 "extract grade B" vanilla beans from ebay for $12, free shipping.

Do you remember the supplier that you bought them from?
I saw a supplier on ebay that sells 1/2 lb beans for $12 (plus shipping).
Thanks