Both vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste are great options for flavoring just about any type of dessert. Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in an alcohol solution for a prolonged period of time, which preserves the flavor of the vanilla bean in the liquid. Vanilla bean paste, on the other hand, is thicker and contains the tiny seeds found inside the vanilla bean pod. We also carry ... Continue Reading about Vanilla Paste vs. Vanilla Extract
Did You Know
Brining Basics
The practice of brining has been used for centuries. Originally used for food preservation, brining is becoming more popular as technique to add flavor and tenderness to a variety of meats. Whether you are cooking shrimp, pork chops, chicken breasts, or a whole turkey, brining can be a great option. Brining can even be used to enhance the flavor of tofu! Brining Spices What is ... Continue Reading about Brining Basics
How to Make Iced Tea
How to Make Iced Tea There are a few things you need to know about brewing great iced tea. The first thing to remember when brewing any kind of tea (hot or iced) is “good water brews good tea.” If you live in an area where your water is chemically treated or has a chlorine-like taste, it is good idea to use bottled or filtered water for your tea; it will definitely taste better. Additionally, ... Continue Reading about How to Make Iced Tea
Cold and Flu Brew Tea to >Help< Save the Day!
The kids are back to school and (all too) soon the days and nights will turn cold. This is the time of year the cold and flu viruses runs rampant between children and adults alike, no one safe! A good immune system is our first and best line of defense against these viruses so what can we do to help boost it during these Russian roulette days known as cold and flu season? There are a plethora of ... Continue Reading about Cold and Flu Brew Tea to >Help< Save the Day!
Vanilla Prices – So What’s Going On?
What’s Going On With Vanilla? Second only to saffron in cost of production, vanilla has always been a pricey spice. However, in the last seven years vanilla prices have skyrocketed, increasing almost 400x since 2011 (for premium vanilla beans). So what’s going on? Although vanilla is native to Mexico, and is grown commercially in many places around the globe, about ¾ (79%) of the world’s ... Continue Reading about Vanilla Prices – So What’s Going On?
