Fantastic!

Hi Steve! I am so happy you liked my video. Typical vanilla extract found in grocery stores can be a mystery even with the ingredients printed right on the label - what we do know is that the FDA mandates a 35% alcohol by volume rule - but if you look closely at most store label you'll note it contains two or three ingredients: Vanilla Bean Extratives in Water and Alcohol and sometimes Sugar/Corn Syrup - diving deeper you'll discover that the spirit is 35% Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol) that is easily mass produced. BUT the times they are a changing! In the past 20 years high end small batch vanilla producers have dominated retail grocery store sales often use bourbon and rum - to keep up with the competition McCormick has started to sell small batch extract. Make no mistake - its the exact same product just made in smaller batches for a more intense flavor. Just last week I was in Pittsburg, Tennessee filming for an upcoming segment and found small batch vanilla that was extraordinarily expensive but still contained ethanol. If you have the time, do try to make your own. Once you get the hang of it is a fraction of the cost and so much better. Plus, they make incredible Christmas stocking stuffers! Happy baking Steve from all of us at The Nomadic Baker!