Disappointing vanillas. I like the Massey whatever but it is above my pay grade now. Others I have been trying lately are not thrilling.

Marg CDN

Well-known member
I am about to order a tiny little oz. of Watkins from Amazon. I can remember sitting by my mom as she made cookies using Watkins products and was stunned to note that they still exist. Anyone know if they are any good?
 
Not sure about Watkins. But I just finished a 16 oz bottle of Penzys that I bought 3 Christmas's ago. I liked it very much. That bottle is now $113!!! Holy Cow!!! (But I just noticed that they are having a 25% off sale). King Arthur has a pop up shop in my area and they are doing a 20% of sale. A 16 oz bottle is $85 but at 20% off + using my member $ helped. And it will last 3 more years at the current rate of baking. It sure is an investment!!

I did read a review on vanilla and Penzys and King Arthur were #2 & #3 so I felt good buying either one.
 
I am about to order a tiny little oz. of Watkins from Amazon. I can remember sitting by my mom as she made cookies using Watkins products and was stunned to note that they still exist. Anyone know if they are any good?
After reading an article (in Cooks Illustrated I think) about artificial vanilla I know use Bakers Imitation Vanilla when I need it as a background note (ex: in brownies). When I need a strong vanilla presence I use pure vanilla paste.
 
Now I'm depressed.

I've been buying tiny bottles and was refusing to do any calculations to consider the cost of a reasonable size. Even if I bought the #2 or 3, I would pay a 20% duty. I use imitation in cookies like you Deb, but anything delicate like a custard needs the real thing (and I like lots). I have a small bottle from Mexico supposedly without the cumarin; I like the flavour but it just isn't like the genuine.

Oh well. Thanks for the help. I think I'll go back to bed.
 
Last edited:
After reading an article (in Cooks Illustrated I think) about artificial vanilla I know use Bakers Imitation Vanilla when I need it as a background note (ex: in brownies). When I need a strong vanilla presence I use pure vanilla paste.
Same here.

I get a brand of imitation/real vanilla blend by the name of Molina here in Phoenix. It used to only be in latino markets, but now I'm seeing it in the top three supermarkets. It is very inexpensive, and it does a fine job wherever I use it. It's been years since I spent big buckos on vanilla. It tastes just like regular vanilla, and doesn't have coumarin or any other "off" tastes. Works for me.

 
Thank you for that. I read about it being a good purchase and found ONE shop here that offers it. They are constantly out. I will keep trying.
 
Well then, this $40 price for 16oz of Massey at Costco might be a good deal. I found their Kirkland brand to be awful.
IMG_3350.jpeg
 
Even though that's about $2000 CDN right now, it's a good deal. Now to go through the hoops to try to get it. Not available at Costco here. Thanks. Will be creative.
 
Marg, I addressed your issue in barbara's post on Indri's vanilla beans FB.

 
Marg, I addressed your issue in barbara's post on Indri's vanilla beans FB.

Thank you for doing so. I think I may have just nabbed someone going to Costco in the US and am hoping for some help that way. It's crazy. Another product I buy from Costco, I can get only in the US, BUT....it's made in Canada. Such are the problems of my life now.
 
Back
Top