vanilla beans

[Esther]

Do any of you order vanilla beans from Ebay? Do you order from any particular seller? I thought I'd make Creme Brulee and try the "real" stuff.

[Teresa]

Somehow I think I'd be very leary of ordering food stuffs on Ebay . . . . just seems a little too scarey for me. 

[Esther]

You've got a good point. It just seemed like someone here mentioned getting them on Ebay a while back. I did a search and couldn't find the thread.

A lady on another forum said she gets them at an Asian market and I know where one is in Grand Rapids.

[Teresa]

Asian Markets are always fun!  You can plant an entire pond, like a jungle, for about $10 in an asian market.  Long time ago I wrote up a list with pictures of all the water plants to be had in the market . . . . got lost with one of the many forums long ago . . . .maybe I should write it up again.

[Cindi]

Asian Markets are always fun!  You can plant an entire pond, like a jungle, for about $10 in an asian market.  Long time ago I wrote up a list with pictures of all the water plants to be had in the market . . . . got lost with one of the many forums long ago . . . .maybe I should write it up again.

I would love to see the list!!   

[Teresa]

I think it's still on this computer Cindi . . . . I will look for it tonight and post it for you if I find it.  Now's the time to go shopping there, specially if you want arrowhead bulbs - they are only available too early to plant . . . and the trappa too, but it might be too late for them.

[CT]

I'd like to see it too. 

[Sean]

I can find fresh vanilla beans in my regular grocery store in the baking section. Have you inquired with your local grocer if they can get them in for you. I always ask the manager if I can not find something I like. They know me now from the years of shopping with them and are always happy to look for something special if I inquire.

They even started supplying taro root because I asked if they can get it.

Cheers,
Sean

[miguynmkoi]

Do you have a local Trader Joe's?  They sell a vanilla bean syrup that works great with Creme Brulee.  It has the flecks of beans which makes the dessert look awesome when you dig in.  Maybe other shops sell it too.

Smile!
Annette

[Esther]

I looked all over Tuesday at my grocery store but didn't ask anybody. Guess I'll have to ask tomorrow when I go there.

No Trader Joe's. But I'm sure Grand Rapids has them somewhere.

[Viv]

Vanilla pods are very cheap to buy at supermarkets here, but I would have no idea where to but the plants! I hear they are beautiful!!

[LeeAnne151]

They sell them at Safeway here, by the spices. They aren't cheap though.....

[Desertponder]

You might check any natural foods market that you might have there. Ours usually has them or can get them.

[Indiana Karen]

Martha Stewart talked about Vanilla Beans one day this week.  She said to order them from here:  http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysvanillabeans.html

[Esther]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I found "A" vanilla bean today at our local D & W (Spartan) store in with the spices. They only wanted $8.99 for it. They still have it too. I couldn't quite bring myself to spend that kind of money on a bean. LOL

[Koi Boi]

Hi Esther,

Our local asian market offers everything exotic cheaper and ingreater abundance than the other grocers.  Cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and so on in big bags CHEAP!!
At least here anyway.

Paul

[Koi Boi]

Back again Esther,

I buy the taro in the photo at the asian market at a whopping 98cents a pound!  The stand of taro in the photo must of set me back a couple of dollars.  HE HE 

Paul

[Koi Boi]

Woops...I left out the photo!