Vanilla Extract - what brand has least carbs?

[Desertrosenla]

I dont bake much - so i dont know much about vanilla extract but from what i can see many are made with sugar. Im guessing the pure vanilla extract doesnt have sugar but i dont know this to be true for sure- can anyone tell me what kind of vanilla extract they recommend? I saw some spice islands brand of pure vanilla extract on sale for a very good deal at the store but i wasnt sure so i passed. Any help?

[That Girl]

NOW brand of vanilla has no sugar in it. i buy mine at fruitful yields, you can get it on the netrition sight, i think..

[LindaSue]

It's easier to find artificial vanilla extract without sugar than the pure extract for some reason. I can't afford the real stuff anyway and I like the artificial kind just fine.

[Kevinpa]

I agree with LindaSue and prefer the imitation vanilla. Butler's is the brand they carry at my local grocers.

[Desertrosenla]

Thanks Everyone I didn't realize that some of the artificial brands actually didn't contain sugar. Ill check that out next time im at the store or order some of the stuff from netrition next time i order from there. Its frustrating when the ingredients are not listed.

[dizneegirl]

It's extremely easy, and fairly cheap to make your own vanilla extract. Good stuff, and no sugar.

I was always told not to use artificial vanilla... something to do with how it's made, or what it's made from?

[NotoSugar]

Artificial Vanilla Flavoring
U.S. manufactured artificial vanilla is produced from synthetic "vanillin", Lignin Vanillin, which is made from a by-product of the paper producing industry. This by product is chemically treated to mimic the flavor of vanilla. The product help take care of a ecological problem with paper producers and created an "affordable" vanilla flavoring for the public.

The other synthetic common in Mexican artificial flavorings is Ethyl Vanillin derived from coal tar.

[Pam]

Originally Posted by dizneegirl

It's extremely easy, and fairly cheap to make your own vanilla extract. Good stuff, and no sugar.

I was always told not to use artificial vanilla... something to do with how it's made, or what it's made from?

Are you willing to share your recipe? I'm always running out of vanilla. Is it similar to homemade Kahlua.....but without the instant coffee?

[Stinkerbelle]

Originally Posted by Pam

Are you willing to share your recipe? I'm always running out of vanilla. Is it similar to homemade Kahlua.....but without the instant coffee?

HOMEMADE KAHLUA????????? Atkins legal?????????????????? Please share! I love Kahlua....

[dizneegirl]

Originally Posted by Pam

Are you willing to share your recipe?

Sure enough... there are plenty on the net (and a few threads on this board, too!).

Couldn't be easier...

I use 4 vanilla beans (bought them at Trader Joe's, 2 beans per jar for about $3-4), and 750 ml of cheap vodka (about $6-7). Split the beans lengthwise, drop them in the bottle of vodka, and put them in a dark, cool place (a cupboard is fine). Every few days or week, shake the bottle. In about 3 months, you have sugar-free vanilla extract.

Coolest part... as you use the vanilla, replace what you remove with plain vodka (leave the beans in it if you're going to do this). I've read that you can keep it going for about 7 years this way (especially if you're just using a tsp. or Tbs. at a time).

I have 2 bottles of it. You can also strain it out & keep some in your old vanilla bottle, or give it as gifts.

[Pam]

Originally Posted by Stinkerbelle

HOMEMADE KAHLUA????????? Atkins legal?????????????????? Please share! I love Kahlua....

I subbed Sweetzfree for the sugar and used Folger's "decaf" instant coffee granules. It's really good!

Exported from MasterCook *

Coffee Liqueur

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 cup Sugar
3 cup Water
3 1/2 tablespoon Instant coffee granules
1 quart Vodka
1 tablespoon Vanilla extract

Combine sugar, water, and coffee granules in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil;
cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Stir in
vodka and vanilla; pour into bottles, and cover with pastic wrap. Punch holes
in plastic wrap, and store in a cool, dark place 4 weeks. For later use, store
in airtight containers. Yield: 6 1/2 cups.

From The Southern Living Cookbook.


This recipe I haven't tried. Thought it sounded good. I like the idea of adding glycerin. The other recipe is like pouring water. If you try this recipe, I'd like to know how it turned out. Thanks!


LC Coffee Liqueur
(like Kahlua)

2 cups water
1 1/2 cups Splenda
1/2 cup instant coffee crystals
3/4 cup Splenda-sweetened vanilla syrup
1 1/2 cups vodka
1 Tbsp. glycerin* (optional)

Boil water; stir in Splenda. Remove from heat. Add coffee and stir well. Let cool. Stir in syrup and vodka. Add glycerin (if using) at the very end. Cover tightly.

Makes 1 quart.

*Glycerin is not necessary, but will give the finished product more body, a more syrupy quality.
pammy-jo

[Pam]

dizneegirl.......thanks for the recipe! I'm almost out of vanilla, so I'll be making this soon.