Vanilla Beans- Best Place To Buy? Do You Use Them?

Decorating By elvis Updated 12 Apr 2007 , 9:21pm by doescakestoo

elvis Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
elvis Posted 11 Apr 2007 , 10:16pm
post #1 of 19

Hi-- I just saw in Martha Stewart's wedding magazine a really pretty cake where she had speckled her light blue frosting by using vanilla beans. I thought I'd like to offer the speckled frosting as a filling. How do you use them and where is the best place to buy?? Thanks!

18 replies
rlsaxe Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
rlsaxe Posted 11 Apr 2007 , 11:57pm
post #2 of 19

I don't use them, but I can give you a bump.

sweetconfections1 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sweetconfections1 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:01am
post #3 of 19

William Sonoma stores

ps3884 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ps3884 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:02am
post #4 of 19

I'm glad you posted this question. I just saw a recipe I wanted to try that called for vanilla beans. I'll be watching for replies.

isabelianico Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
isabelianico Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:05am
post #5 of 19

Not sure but here's a bump.

moydear77 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
moydear77 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:06am
post #6 of 19

Vanilla beans are great...They are very expensive. I can find them in the spice section at a good grocery store. You can use them many ways. To remove the inside paste split the bean length wise. Take a small knife and scrape down the inside of the bean. You can also steep it is liquid like the cream for creme brulee. I also have used it in ice cream.

crisseyann Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
crisseyann Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:08am
post #7 of 19

I can get vanilla beans at my local bulk food store, with the spices. They also have them in the grocery store, in bottles in the spice aisle. Split it open lengthwise, and scrape the insides into your buttercream or whatever you're using. A little goes a long way. HTH

You can also stick a whole bean in a bowl of sugar to make a lovely vanilla flavored sugar.

lizzyb0601 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
lizzyb0601 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:08am
post #8 of 19

I got some from Ebay much cheaper than in stores and they are very good.

sweetconfections1 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sweetconfections1 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:09am
post #9 of 19

I split the bean and use the inside in cake sometimes. I then take the bean and place it in my sugar (give sugar th smell of vanilla).

moydear77 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
moydear77 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:11am
post #10 of 19

Also there are many places they are grown. The Tahitian seem to be the most expensive.

ps3884 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ps3884 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:13am
post #11 of 19

Just did an online search and here's what I found (since I have no idea where to find these locally icon_confused.gif ).

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/detail.jsp?id=1340

http://www.topvanilla.com/

http://www.vanilla.com/cgi-bin/store/search.cgi?session=1&subcategory=Beans&category=Culinary

http://www.thevanillashop.ca/catalog/index.php?cPath=37_41&osCsid=a69c543d26cb3a8f4e32691a5effca04

Lots of options, but the only company I've ordered from is The Baker's Catalog (kingarthurflour.com). I recommend them but, don't know if they are the best place to buy vanilla beans from.

cocorum21 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cocorum21 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:17am
post #12 of 19

I just bought some on amazon.com from JR Mushrooms & Specialties 20 beans for $14.95 no shipping charges.

DDiva Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
DDiva Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:26am
post #13 of 19

I just received a shipment of FRESH vanilla beans and extract.
Prices are:
6 beans - $10
12 beans - $18
25 beans - $32
These prices include Priority Two Day shipping.

The extract:
8 oz - $10
16 oz - $ 15 (with built in measuring cup in the bottle)
Shipping does apply the extract.

I'm also offering a combo:
4 beans/ 2 oz. extract - $15.
Shipping included.

There are other items on my website as well; www.crawfordscreations.com.
Thanks in advance for your support!!

nsouza Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
nsouza Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:39am
post #14 of 19

Does any one have any cool recipes that call for vanilla beans?

elvis Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
elvis Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:50am
post #15 of 19

Thanks for all of the help-- I didn't realize that vanilla beans were long and skinny---I think I was picturing coffee beans icon_smile.gif

One more question...how long do they last? Do they go bad?--If I only needed to scrape half of the bean for a recipe, will the rest go to waste or will it last for a while? Thanks again... I may just have to get fancy now that I know where to go icon_wink.gif

cocorum21 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cocorum21 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 12:58am
post #16 of 19

From what I understand they keep for a long time. If you keep them in an airtight container in the dark.

puzzlegut Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
puzzlegut Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 5:32pm
post #17 of 19

We got some from eBay.

I haven't use any yet, but I'm eager to try them. I'm assuming one vanilla bean will be enough for one cake extender mix, right? Also, would it be considered overkill to use a vanilla bean in the cake batter, a vanilla bean in my butter cream recipe, and using sugar that has been flavored in vanilla bean and use it in both the cake batter and the butter cream?

awolf24 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
awolf24 Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 8:59pm
post #18 of 19

Yummy - I love the flavor of vanilla - real vanilla (not imitation). I've never used vanilla beans but reading this thread, I can't wait to try.

doescakestoo Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
doescakestoo Posted 12 Apr 2007 , 9:21pm
post #19 of 19

I have used the vanilla bean paste in my cakes and cookies. They were great tasting. Love the madgascar but want to try other beans. Have to save the sites listed for future use.

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%