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I agree that Penzey's has some excellent vanilla and they carry several varieties.
But, ultimately, making your own is the best solution. One of the best places to get b-grade beans is eBay. The price is high this year, but, fresh beans will provide extract for years.
There have been so many scandals with Mexican vanilla (not being real, containing poison) that I would not trust it. The cheap, large bottles are a huge clue to the origin of the bottle's contents.
I agree that Penzey's has some excellent vanilla and they carry several varieties.
By Alex,
