People who love to bake know that what they whip up in the kitchen is only as good as the ingredients they put into it. Reach for baking powder beyond its expiration date or substitute buttermilk for milk and lemon juice, and you’re unlikely to end up with a bake that would be on the receiving end of a Paul Hollywood handshake.
That’s why, as a self-identifying person who loves to bake, I feel it’s my duty to let other baking lovers know about the somewhat indulgent ingredient I use to punch up all of my go-to desserts. This Heilala’s Vanilla Bean Paste. I first learned about it a few years ago, but only took the plunge last year when I needed to replace my trusty vanilla extract — and I don’t think I’ll be going back.
Heilala
This paste is an excellent addition to any home baker’s pantry. One jar contains the equivalent of 12 vanilla beans. The texture is thick and syrupy, with an almost creamy taste to it. If you’re giving it as a gift, perhaps your lucky giftee will bake you something delicious with it as a thank you.
In fact, this vanilla paste is recommended by cooks and pastry chefs the world over. It’s more flavorful than your run-of-the-mill vanilla extract, and it’s much easier to use than fresh vanilla beans — especially for those with limited dexterity, time or patience for that sort of effort.
One small jar of this thick and syrupy paste contains the equivalent of 12 Madagascar-variety vanilla beans. If you’ve ever purchased a jar of three vanilla beans at the supermarket for around $20, you know those economics alone make this jar well worth its spot in your baking cupboard. Plus, just one teaspoon of this syrupy paste is equivalent in taste to one vanilla bean. You can use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla essence or extract, substituting it in the same quantities.
Over the holidays, I reach for this vanilla paste for pecan pie, pumpkin pie and New York-style cheesecake. I used one teaspoon of this vanilla paste in my mom’s no-Karo-syrup pecan pie recipe (which is secretly just Trisha Yearwood’s pecan pie recipe) and one tablespoon in my mom’s New York cheesecake recipe. It added a deliciously indulgent hint of vanilla to the otherwise very simple flavors of the pecan pie, and it made my cheesecake taste (and look!) like something from a fancy patisserie.
At the end of the day, I know $13 is a lot to pay for some vanilla for baking, but I’m convinced this vanilla bean paste is an excellent addition to any home baker’s pantry.
More kitchen deals we recommend:
Walmart
This large-size capacity slow cooker makes mouthwatering servings for more than six people that you can keep warm and serve — all in one pot. The locking lid and leak-proof seal provides easy transport around the kitchen or into the car for a potluck. Three temperature settings conveniently cook, simmer, or serve and the dishwasher-safe removable stoneware crock keeps cleanup simple.
Wayfair
Every kitchen needs a solid set of mixing bowls and this set from KitchenAid comes with all the sizes you could possibly need: 1.5-quart, 2.5-quart, 3.5-quart, 4.5-quart and 5.5-quart. Each bowl has a pour spout, which helps to reduce the chance of spills when transferring mixes. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe so cleanup is extra simple. If that wasn’t enough, they’re the cheapest price we’ve seen them in a while, making this an especially smart deal to shop this Labor Day.
COSORI
An air fryer is just the ticket when you want a hot meal without turning on the oven. This top-rated model heats up quickly and can fit up to two steaks, 20 wings, a 5-pound chicken or an 8-inch pizza. Plus, it can be used to dehydrate food, proof bread and even bake desserts.
