I’m making the Vanilla Bean Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting that were on this site for a birthday party. I had an idea but I’m coming to you, CH’ers for a guess as to whether it’d work or not. I want... (3 replies, last updated by JBethell November 13, 2009)

This is CI’s. I got rave reviews at my son' party last week. The vanilla cupcakes disappeared in like 1 minute. You can see pictures of the cupcakes on my blog on May 16th. 10 tablespoons unsalted butter , softened 1/2... (13 replies, last updated by Becca Porter May 22, 2007)

Probably white, with vanilla bean. I think I’ll try this next time I make cupcakes (and have more time to make dulce). My instinct says to go for two kinds...choc/peanut butter and red velvet. I’d do more, but... (82 replies, last updated by puppymomma July 24, 2007)

I am curious about differences among the various types of vanilla beans. Tahitian, Madagascar, Bourbon, Mexican...what is the chowhound wisdom on this topic? (1 reply, last updated by Ora April 17, 2009)

How do you rejuvenate dried out vanilla beans? (4 replies, last updated by leanneabe October 5, 2007)

Does anyone know where I can get vanilla beans in the San Jose area? (5 replies, last updated by Alan408 December 12, 2004)

Where have people found the cheapest and good vanilla beans in NYC (or boroughs if necessary?) I know there’s good sources online, but since I only need a few now and then, wanted to buy them in the city if possible.... (9 replies, last updated by ziere July 6, 2006)

Hello, Can anyone recommend a place to buy “cheap” vanilla beans? I know I can get them at whole foods or even Jewel but they are quite expensive (between $3-5 each). I’m hoping that there might be a less... (7 replies, last updated by mmh429 December 3, 2003)

Making a recipe that calls for vanilla extract this afternoon. I have some beans, but have never used them before. Can I steep them in the coffee that is also called for in the recipe or should I do something else with them to... (2 replies, last updated by Glencora July 8, 2007)

, although I think I like Sprinkles Chocolate Peanut Butter better because they put chocolate chips in the peanut butter cake. The Vanilla Bean icing was very buttery but in a good way. While I know many on here have different... (49 replies, last updated by aching September 25, 2007)

surfas 32 oz vanilla 104.39 king arthur flour same brand same size 37.95 surfas 5 plump looking vanilla beans 16.97 king arthur flour 2 shrivelled looking ones 8.95 Should I just buy the vanilla at king arthur or try making vanilla... (6 replies, last updated by Anu February 26, 2005)

the alcohol taste when you over-dilute it. Additionally, I have an old jar of vanilla beans. They were extremely expensive ($5 for 2 beans, I think) - what do they add to a recipe that extract cannot? By the way, do... (27 replies, last updated by mag March 20, 2004)

A 2-oz. bottle of McCormick vanilla extract costs over $7 in my local grocery store. I know there’s a shortage, but this still seems excessive. Is there a store in Manhattan (other than Kalustyan) that has vanilla beans and... (3 replies, last updated by folklaur70 November 9, 2004)

I absolutely love vanilla, but I just can’t decide what to make with the fancy beans I splurged on a while back—I want to make everything. Any ideas for the best way to use them (I have two, so obviously I could make lots... (18 replies, last updated by laguera August 10, 2006)

So.... if a recipe calls for a split vanilla bean, can I substitute an amount of liquid vanilla extract? Thank you so much for your advice! (1 reply, last updated by SteveG March 1, 2008)