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What exactly is the flavor or taste of vanilla extract? Somehow, a tiny drop seems to make big difference, so it's kinda miracle I can't say what it tastes like, but after I add a single drop in my mocha, it tastes like what it should, unlike before.
Any by the way, I'm new to using vanilla extract, so am not sure how much to use, and what food to add it. Beside cookies (which I don't make), drinks, what else can I use it to enhance the flavor?
I finally depleted my supply of Mexican vanilla extract a while back and went shopping for more. Wow, sticker shock!!! So I saw this Amazon add-on for artificial vanilla extract and bought a bottle. PUKE!
I need something decent, but $6+ an ounce is so high a price. Anyone with recommendations and/or favorites?
I usually buy the big bottle at Costco. The price has shot up recently, but it is still cheaper than other places. I have had good results with the extract and paste version of the vanilla that Trader Joe's carries.
You can also buy (on Amazon) true vanilla beans in bulk - best deal by far vs. buying them one at a time in the grocery store. Use these for custards, ice cream, etc. Stick a bean in a jar of sugar and you can make your own vanilla sugar to use in recipes.
Penzey's is where I buy my vanilla, too. They offer the choice of double-strength vanilla, lowering the cost of an effective dose. However, at least twice, I have found myself forgetting I'm using double-strength when making cakes. Next time, I'll probably get the Mexican vanilla hertfordshire recommends above.
I usually buy the big bottle at Costco. The price has shot up recently, but it is still cheaper than other places. I have had good results with the extract and paste version of the vanilla that Trader Joe's carries.
You can also buy (on Amazon) true vanilla beans in bulk - best deal by far vs. buying them one at a time in the grocery store. Use these for custards, ice cream, etc. Stick a bean in a jar of sugar and you can make your own vanilla sugar to use in recipes.
Your post inspired me to see if there's a recipe for making vanilla extract using vanilla beans. And there is!!
I'm going to try it:
Ingredients:
8 oz. Glass Bottle or Jar.
7 Vanilla Beans.
1 cup Vodka 70 Proof/35% Alcohol (or you can also use Bourbon, Rum or Brandy; any brand/quality)
Frugal is good of course, but unless I were making industrial-sized batches of cookies or whatever, I wouldn't pay much attention to the unit cost of pure natural vanilla extract at all.
To me, the only good vanilla is what we get when we visit Mexico on a cruise ship. It is so inexpensive and last as long as we do or close. I don't know when I have purchased vanilla extract but if I did I would probably spurge and go with a top brand. How much does anyone use in a year? Not much I am thinking
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I can't say what it tastes like, but after I add a single drop in my mocha, it tastes like what it should, unlike before. 
Favorite Vanilla Extracts?
