[DManA]

I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted real vanilla. Just vanilla “flavor”.

[JRandomFreeper]

The difference between a real quality vanilla bean and that crappy extract you get in the grocery store is like the difference between a can of dog-food, and a good steak.

/johnny

[berdie]

If there are any Whole Foods or Trader Joes in you area...try out the Mexican vanilla.

It puts vanilla flavor to shame.

There is also a spice store around here, it’s a chain but I can’t call the name up right this minute. The spices and vinegars from around the world are outstanding.

It’s expensive and a long way from me. I’m as tight as bark on a tree...but I’ll make the drive and spend the bucks.

[lucky american]

Vanilla beans are very expensive. I get 16 small beans for 50 dollars at my local spice goods store. It’s easy to make the real vanilla. Get a bottle of good vodka and put the beans in it and let them soak. Takes a while for the vodka to soak in all that delicious vanilla flavor but worth the wait. I use it in everything I bake.