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Let's start with the basics on why you should buy vanilla bean paste.
What is Vanilla Bean Paste?
When I first heard about vanilla bean paste, all I could picture was that white paste that you eat (umm.. glue with) in Kindergarten mixed with some bean specks. I found lots of pictures of the vanilla bean paste bottle online but no pictures of the actual vanilla bean paste itself. I had heard that it was vanilla extract, but with the beans in it. I began to picture a liquid with some specks.
It turns out that vanilla bean paste is much thicker than vanilla extract. It's actually a thin syrup. While I would never drink vanilla extract straight up, I have been known to lick my fingers if they get some vanilla bean paste on them. It's still a bit strong (not to mention expensive) to, for example, pour on your pancakes.
When To Use Vanilla Bean Paste
When it comes to vanilla ice cream, I have always demanded vanilla beans (Breyer's Vanilla Bean ice cream is a favorite). However, for some reason, I had never considered my love of the bean in my baking. Use vanilla bean paste in place of vanilla extract anywhere you want the beans to shine. I love seeing and tasting those little black dots. I recently used my paste to make vanilla bean buttercream frosting. Why Not Use an Actual Vanilla Bean?
You certainly could use an actual vanilla bean instead of the vanilla bean paste. However, it's a bit more pricey and this is so easy!
Where To Buy Vanilla Bean Paste?
Vanilla bean paste is sold at specialty cooking stores. I've seen it at Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table. You can also buy vanilla bean paste here.
UPDATE: Many of you commented that Trader Joe's sells cheap vanilla bean paste. I just got the word that it has been discontinued.
15 comments:
They also sell it at Trader Joe's, where it's really not much more expensive than regular vanilla extract.
That's funny that you say that. I had heard it was at Trader Joe's so I went there to buy it. They not only didn't have it, but didn't even know what it was. Someone told me that maybe they only have it around the holidays? Maybe only certain Trader Joe's have them?
I LOVE vanilla bean paste and like noisy penguin, got mine at Trader Joe's for a very good price. But like you, Stef, I couldn't always find it. I found it, then didn't find it again for a while -- when I found it again FINALLY, I think I bought three or four bottles...I do hope it isn't just seasonal, though for now I am set!
Anyway, totally agree with what you wrote...love VBP!
I have to say I have not tried the paste but for those married to their vanilla etract the stuff at williams sonoma is far superior to aythign you can buy at the grocery store. By the way I love your blog.
:)
I will definately try the paste but I am married to actual vanilla beans - they aren't that expensive if you know where to buy 'em..
I need to hook you up..
blog post forthcoming..
I always buy it at Trader Joe's, so I don't think it's seasonal, unless they're changing things. Hope not! That stuff is like liquid gold!
Scoop - Why not carry it all the time? They should know how great that product is!
Aryooki - Aww.. thanks! I highly recommend you try the paste! You will not regret it.
Raquita - I'm still enjoying the vanilla sugar. I'm now curious about your secret source.
Elle - Wonder if it just depends on your particular store.
I haven't seen Vanilla Paste at Trader Joes either. But the thought has me salivating. Maybe a STL thing? I personally prefer the Nielsen-Massey myself.
The best place to buy vanilla beans locally I think is Penzey's. It really is easy to just slice that sucker up and scrape out the beans. Very indulgent frosting. Highly recommend trying for special occasions.
I absolutely love it! Both the supermarkets near to me now stock it, thank goodness!
Nice blog - I also love cupcakes!
TW - I'd be curious to do a taste off between the scraping the beans and using the paste. My guess is it would be pretty similar.
Nicisme - Wow! Lucky you. I wish our supermarkets carried it.
I love Vanilla Bean Paste. Its fantastic. When you are making something simple and you want a little more flavor that extract will provide paste is the way to go. I have never seen it at Trader Joe's I'll have to look.
Katie - Good luck! Hope you have it at your store.
That's so weird! I saw it last time I was there, maybe I should stockpile in case the one near my place stops carrying it.
TJ's DOES have a habit of discontinuing ALL the things I love, so I am thinking i should stock up! Glad you don't think it is easonal though, Elle!
I just found out that it has, in fact, been discontinued. See this post:
http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2008/03/trader-joes-does-not-carry-vanilla-bean.html
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