Dude, Can You Hook Me Up?
Curse you, chef John Crow. You introduced me to your devilish vanilla sugar, and now I need a daily fix of its tropical bean-flecked sweetness. Lately I’ve been sprinkling it into a titration of ginger ale and fresh lemon juice, and I’ve substituted it for plain sugar in everything from whipped cream to mojitos.
Recently, I ran out of my stash and went to buy some vanilla beans to scrape into the plain sugar to make a new batch. For the love of Madagascar, man. Those things are expensive. I’ve been pricing beans at Whole Foods and online, and it’s not uncommon to find a single bean for $5. Next time, just give me a bag of crack if you want to seed an addiction I can’t afford. I’m going to have to get a night job at McCormick’s.
There does appear to be some relief on the Internet, where bulk beans are available. For example, the Bourbon vanilla from Papua New Guinea at Beanilla.com, where I swiped the above photo, is currently on sale for about a dollar a pod. That sounds pretty good, but I was curious if anyone had a trusted spice source they could recommend.
Comments
Penzey's Spices is a great source for really fresh spices. Their Madagascar beans are 3 for 7.25. Even if you don't scrape them into sugar, every time you use one, put the already scraped bean into a bin of sugar and leave it there. It works without having to use it up for the sugar.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 08:46:35 AMwww.penzeys.com
Posted 06/27/2008 at 08:47:38 AMFox:
Locally, I've had good luck with Global Market (near the Adventure Science Cumberland Children's Museum Pyramid-thing)
Posted 06/27/2008 at 09:25:50 AMLWilson -- While we're on the topic of scoring product, where do you get the Elderflower cordial for the D'Arbo?
Posted 06/27/2008 at 09:35:54 AMCarrington, I will have a new shipment of CRACK in a week ready to drop off. Remember first taste is always free (joke).
Sarah and I used to store our vanilla sugar in the cash safe so waiters coudn't get to it.
We'll drop by soon with your fix.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 11:08:17 AMI second LWilson's comment re: Penzey's (though it is obviously superfluous). My foodie friend in Memphis buys everything from them and has never been disappointed.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 11:49:43 AMps--if you have a friend going to Mexico any time soon, be sure to put in an order with them. You can usually get good extract and beans slightly off the beaten path from the touristy junts for a decent price.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 11:51:35 AMNext question: Mexican and Madagascar vanilla beans are both going for 3 for $7.25 at Penzey's. Which do you recommend?
Posted 06/27/2008 at 02:17:38 PMSan Francisco Herb has 4 oz (~20 beans) for $17.40. They have a minimum order of $30 but have tons and tons of different spices/herbs/botanticals/etc. The quality is not as high as penzey's, but the prices are good! www.sfherb.com
Posted 06/27/2008 at 05:12:47 PMCheck out Saffron Imports, that's where I get mine and they've worked great for me.
http://www.theposter.com/vanilla2.html
Posted 06/27/2008 at 06:02:12 PMThe elderflower syrup can be found at www.germandeli.com.
Posted 06/27/2008 at 06:24:50 PMHaving floated in a similar "Lack of Vanilla Bean Boat" I was obsessed with never having that problem again. And so we carry whole madagascar bourbon vanilla beans at Lazzaroli. No real culinary crossover with fresh pasta, but it's my store! .99 cents a piece vacuum sealed in 2-3 per pack.
Posted 08/07/2008 at 11:26:26 AMtommy noodles - that name is too good. hilarious.
and hey, i'm coming to see you very soon for sure!!!
Posted 08/07/2008 at 11:58:34 AMTommy Noodles, I'm on my way. Save me a cannolo.
Posted 08/07/2008 at 07:51:59 PMis a cannolo a huge cannoli?
sounds possible and hey, a girl can dream, right?
Posted 08/07/2008 at 08:15:04 PM