real Vanilla [or imitation] ?

I know this is going to be completely horrifying to most people but I will say it none-the-less. The folks at Cooks Illustrated did a study of this subject a few years back and came to the following conclusion. For products where the flavoring is added prior to baking/cooking/heating, there is no distinguishable difference between imitation vanilla and real vanilla. For products where the flavoring is added and no cooking takes place (ice cream, frosting, etc.), real vanilla is the product of choice. Therefore, I have both on my shelf. As you point out, you can get about a pint of artificial vanilla at Costco for about a nickel (OK, I exaggerate a bit here). I would recommend that you get the large bottle of synthetic vanilla from Costco and a small bottle of real vanilla. Do a blind taste test and see what you prefer. I suspect that you won't be able to tell the difference in the cookies and you may be able to distinguish in the hot chocolate. If you hate the artificial stuff, give it to someone. You will only be out a nickel.

The pint bottle of vanilla from Costco (at least the one I bought about a year ago) is pure vanilla extract.

I was just reading in Alton Brown's new book about vanilla and he agrees with you and Cook's Illustrated. Since I still have at least

1/2 pint of vanilla left, I will just use it.

Our Costco sells real vanilla in large and small bottles. The artificial stuff is so cheap that they only carry it in large bottles.

hey,

thanks for the tip

there seems to be some logic to not using the Real Van if you add it before baking

pete

(Please NOTE: My correct e-mail address is in my Signature) On 17 Dec

2004 22:25:17 -0800, during the rec.food.baking Community News Flash "pete" reported:

While in general this is true, I have to say that not all artificial vanillas are alike. Unfortunately, the stuff that I get here is sometimes so disgusting that it makes even cakes taste lousy. But recently my health food shop got in vanilla pods that were dirt cheap (relatively, that is) so I bought a bunch, and will make my own vanilla extract using one of the pods in some really nice port I've got.

Port? I thought to make vanilla extract you should use high quality vodka and vanilla beans. Unless of course, you want to make a vanilla infused port for some other baking needs.

P

silentking wrote in news:41c41253$0$5292 $ snipped-for-privacy@news.usenetmonster.com:

Bourbon is also commonly used.

(Please NOTE: My correct e-mail address is in my Signature) On Sat, 18 Dec 2004 15:01:06 GMT, during the rec.food.baking Community News Flash Wayne Boatwright reported:

I haven't got any Bourbon and I don't much care for the taste of vodka. Might have a touch of gin in the house, though. That would be OK, I think.

Officially, vodka has no flavor -- just the alcohol afterburn.

And somehow I can't imagine the taste of gin-extracted vanilla would be very... appealing. You might as well steep it in gasoline, IMHO. Something smoother and more mellow is required.

Davida, I use Vodka and Vanilla Beans cut open lengthwise and it does a marvelous job of making Vanilla Extract with no aftertaste from the Vodka at all. You might try it with a pint of Vodka and see if you like it.

By the way my eldest Daughter's name is Davida, neat to see another one.

Dave Fouchey

But why use artificial when the real stuff is readily available? Graham

how many pods to how much vodka? I would like to try making some extract. How long do you soak it?

Alkem

I usually split two vanilla beans lengthwise and place them in a pint bottle of Vodka. Shake periodically and let sit for around three weeks or so, it will mellow and get more flavorfully over time.

Dave

because that Real Van seems very expensive, although i'd like to try it on for taste i'm going to research making my own

thanks all pete

For the same reason people buy vermeil jewelry with cubic zirconium when solid gold and diamonds are readily available.

Could do. Thanks.

Cool! Let's see... that makes #16 I think. I keep a running track of all the "Davidas" I meet or hear about.

(Hm... Dave... Davida - you named her after yourself, didn't you?)

You can often buy grain alcohol in liquor stores. Our state liquor agencies sell it. You could use that instead of vodka.

No the Wife did, I was embarrassed..;-)

Dave

Yup Ever clear is one brand it works ok but seems to be a bit "harsh" as compared to Vodka.

Dave