Nielsen-Massey Gormet Vanillas Review and a Giveaway!

 

I love to cook and bake, and I have found that there really is a big difference when it comes to herbs, spices, and extracts.  Buying better quality is worth the small price increase in what you get in flavor. 

 

So when Nielsen Massey Fine Vanillas and Flavors offered to allow me the chance for review I was thrilled!

 

Nielsen Massey Fine Vanillas and Flavors is a company that have been crafting the world's finest vanillas and flavors since 1907. Founded by Richard Massey, who later partnered with Chatfield Nielsen, Sr, our company is still a family-owned operation run by the third generation of Nielsens: CEO Craig Nielsen, COO Matt Nielsen and Chief Culinary Officer, Director-International Beth Nielsen. Having grown up with the company and amidst the rich aroma of vanilla, they've spent their entire lives learning, studying and researching the best methods to produce pure flavors as well as how to achieve the best results in recipes and applications.

 

Having branched out from their humble origins in Sterling, Illinois the company now possesses state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at its headquarters in Waukegan, Illinois, USA and its plant in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Our products can be found throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand and are enjoyed by restaurant and bakery chefs, manufacturers of premium foods, gourmet food shops and grocers and discriminating home consumers looking to enhance their fine cooking and baking.

 

Nielsen Massey sent me several of their products to try.  I received for review their Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste, Pure Almond Extract, and Pure Chocolate Extract.

 

I have tried all of them and must say that the flavor is much better than that of a regular store brand of pure extracts, and worlds better than imitation extracts.  I love the almond extract in sweet baked goods, and I put the chocolate extract in a chocolate cream pie and chocolate cake I made.  It added an extra chocolaty oomph.  But my absolute favorite is the  Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste.  You can use it wherever you use vanilla extract but it is especially nice in things where you can see the flecks of vanilla bean.  Things like whipped cream, ice cream, scones, cookies or drinks benefit from this little added visual appeal.

 

I used the  Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste in my Homemade Hot Toddy (Hot Buttered Rum Mix).

 

 

 

Hot Buttered Rum Mix

1 lb softened real butter -  do not use fake butter

1 pt. vanilla ice cream softened - the better the brand the better the flavor haagen daz is good
1 lb brown sugar
1 lb powdered sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
1 teaspoon nutmeg ground
1 tablespoon cinnamon ground
1 teaspoon allspice ground

 

 

Fresh Nutmeg and Allspice

Whole spices like this last almost forever in the cupboard as apposed to the pre-ground spices you buy which will only have a good flavor for a few months and then you have to throw them out.

 

 

 

grinding the spices in a simple home coffee grinder brings a way more intense flavor

 

 

 

The Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste.  You can see the flecks of vanilla!

 

 

 

Mix the sugars and butter until light, then add the spices and vanilla until combined well, then add the ice cream.   Keep in an airtight container in the freezer.

 

To use add desired amount (start with a tablespoon and add more if needed) to a cup of boiling water or milk.  Add rum, brandy, or whiskey if desired.

 

Conclusion of my review:  Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and Fine Extract makes great products that are of the highest quality and flavor.  At being only slightly more expensive than regular pure extracts they are worth the price, even for the thrifty minded like me!

Connect with Nielsen-Massey

Website

Facebook

 

The Giveaway!

 

Nielsen-Massey has generously offered to give one lucky Thrifty Housewife readers two products of their choice!  Use the rafflecopter to enter, all entries are optional, winning entries are verified. 

 

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33ddb953/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Thrifty Housewife was not compensated for this post, I did receive a sample product(s) for the purposes of review. This did not influence my review or my opinions. My views and statements are 100% my own. This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook, pinterest, twitter, or any other social media website.  The winner will be chosen through the rafflecopter form which uses Random.org.  Winner will be notified by email within 48 hours of contest end.  Winner has 24 hours to respond to the  email.  Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen.  Open to US only.  All Entries are verified.  The Thrifty Housewife is no responsible for prize fulfillment.