Baker’s, Imitation Vanilla Flavor, 8 fl oz

That’s right. I called this cheap bottle of imitation vanilla “phenomenal”. Anybody out there who does a lot of baking knows just how insanely expensive the real deal has gotten, and guess what? This stuff has been great! I’ve always been a snob for the real vanilla extract, but not anymore. I use this for my cookies (chocolate chip and sugar cookie), and have no complaints whatsoever. My cookies taste just as delicious as before. I know…it’s hard to believe…but it’s true. Of course, we all have different tastes and palates, so you might not agree. But for the price? Just give it a try.

Bought these after reading an online review for the best vanilla. I have always been skeptical of artificial flavoring like these, but they are delicious! I bake quite regularly and I noticed a significant improvement in flavor on even tried and true recipes.

Bought this based on a review of a cooking show that is on public TV. They had it tied for # 1 in their tasting review. After using for a couple of months this will be my “go to” vanilla in the future. LOVE IT!Have been using this “imitation” vanilla it in cakes, pancakes, crumb buns, cookies for about 6 weeks, and it is better than the Indonesian and Mexican Vanillas that I had been using. Having worked with chemists and natural compounds and chemicals in the past, I am often skeptical of “natural” claims.Natural products vary by country, weather and even the season, very difficult to get consistency. When a compound, is formulated from scratch, like vanilla, “artificial” or not, it can be much more tasty and consistent It will NOT have the the many impurities that can be found in “natural” products. There is a tight quality control process. Bottom line, buy it, you won’t be disappointed and can save a lot of money.

I’ve used Williams-Sonoma Nielsen-Massey Madagascar & Tahitian pure vanilla extract for years. However, several months ago I went to the Sonoma outlet to purchase another 8 oz bottle and it cost $54.96!!! I was horrified but purchased it. Then a couple of months ago I received my copy of Cook’s Illustrated and they did a taste comparison of vanilla’s… the Baker’s vanilla was rated number one (over the Williams-Sonoma brand). I bought a couple of bottles so I could share with my gal pals to compare taste… so far, no one is the wiser. HUGE price difference… $2.17 for the Baker’s vanilla extract vs. $55!!! I also put a couple of drops in with my coffee grounds when brewing my morning coffee… it adds just a hint of yumminess that you might enjoy ;)))

I use this imitation vanilla in my stove top and oven air fresheners. Add a good tablespoon or two to a pot of water along with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and cranberries. Or with a sliced lemon and rosemary. In the oven I mix it with a little oil and place in an oven proof dish on low heat. The house smells like fresh baked cookies with that method. No need to use the real vanilla for those, and this is perfect for those uses.