How Many Make Your Vanilla Extract?

[alsgal]

I'm new to the forum. I've always loved baking cakes but now would like to take it up a notch by entering the cake decoration arena -- (which I have minimal experience) but an eagerness to learn.

I love all the information shared on this website. So many of your cakes are breath-taking! It'll take me ages before I reach the level so many of you have achieved.

I'm currently taking my third WILTON'S Course. I have to find more time to practice to perfect my decorating craft.

I recently found out how to make vanilla (searching the web). My question is, how many of you make your own vanilla extract? Which more feasible: buying extract or making your own? I have many more questions but for now, will leave it at this.

I've been lurking this site for sometime now and the wealth of info. I've gotten from you experts is pricelss! Thanks for sharing!

[MAK]

ALS - first let me say - what an adorable baby you have in your icon!

I've never tried making vanilla. I think I'm just not that brave.....LOL. I leave it to the professionals and buy a good quality vanilla - it really makes a difference.

[2sdae]

I buy Madagascar vanilla bean paste so I dont buy vanilla or make it. I cant get how to make the beans paste.. so I buy it.

[Ironbaker]

Hi and welcome! What a beautiful baby!!

I think both are good but you may get more bang for your buck by making your own. There are some vanillas out there that I really like but it's nice to also have some on hand of your own. You can use the pods for vanilla sugar too.

[Amanda]

I have absolutely nothing to say about this, because I just buy it. But I had to chime in and say your little baby is ADORABLE!!! She (I'm assuming because of the pink blanket) looks like a little baby doll.

Oh...and welcome to the forums!

[jeri]

I just purchase mine. Actually when I need the clear vanilla for buttercream.. I cheat and use Wilton's! I love the flavor adds and does not add any color. For regular vanilla, depending on what I am doing... cookies etc... I buy the big bottle at Costco... for everything else... I have tried several different kinds on the pricy side... like them.

And... WELCOME

[alsgal]

Originally Posted by MAK

ALS - first let me say - what an adorable baby you have in your icon!

I've never tried making vanilla. I think I'm just not that brave.....LOL. I leave it to the professionals and buy a good quality vanilla - it really makes a difference.

__________________________________________________ __________________

Thank you! The adorable baby is my grandchild, Gigi.

This is my 1st time ever making vanilla & it may be my last. I may be better off buying quality vanilla and add a couple of vanilla beans to the bottle.

Thank you for responding.

[alsgal]

Originally Posted by Amanda

I have absolutely nothing to say about this, because I just buy it. But I had to chime in and say your little baby is ADORABLE!!! She (I'm assuming because of the pink blanket) looks like a little baby doll.

Oh...and welcome to the forums!

Amanda-

Thank you for welcoming me to the forum and the compliment on my granddaughter, Gigi. I love this site! Everyone is so resourceful & encouraging. I'm going to learn so much here.

[alsgal]

Originally Posted by jeri

I just purchase mine. Actually when I need the clear vanilla for buttercream.. I cheat and use Wilton's! I love the flavor adds and does not add any color. For regular vanilla, depending on what I am doing... cookies etc... I buy the big bottle at Costco... for everything else... I have tried several different kinds on the pricy side... like them.

And... WELCOME

Thanks Jeri, for responding to my question. Purchasing vanilla outright maybe not be such a bad idea for me. I took a couple of Madagascar vanilla beans and placed them into a vanilla bottle I buy at Sam's Club. I forgot about it. Each time I used it, I thought, WOW! this is top shelf. One day when I reached the last of the vanilla did I see the vanilla bean I submerged in the bottle when I first purchased it. I love Nielsen-Massey; but its a bit pricey.

[alsgal]

Originally Posted by Ironbaker

Hi and welcome! What a beautiful baby!!

I think both are good but you may get more bang for your buck by making your own. There are some vanillas out there that I really like but it's nice to also have some on hand of your own. You can use the pods for vanilla sugar too.

Thank you Ironbaker for welcoming me and the compliment on my granddaughter, Gigi.
My favorite vanilla brand is Nielsen-Massey, although it's a bit above my budget right now. Thanks for the suggestion using the vanilla pods to make vanilla sugar. I wonder how will that enhance cake flavors? I feel another experiment on the horizon -lol!