People who love cooking know that the meals they prepare in the kitchen are as delicious as the ingredients they put in them. Reach for expired baking soda or instead of buttermilk Drink milk and lemon juice and you’re unlikely to encounter a cake that will be on the receiving end of Paul Hollywood’s handshake.

So, as someone who loves to cook, I feel it’s my duty to let others do it too. people who like to cook and learn about the slightly indulgent ingredient I use to flavor all my desserts: Heilala’s Vanilla Bean Paste. I first heard of it years ago from a friend, and it was only when I finally needed to replace my trusty bottle of vanilla extract that I took the plunge and never looked back.

heilala

This paste is a great addition to any home baker’s pantry. One jar contains the equivalent of 12 vanilla beans. Its texture is thick and syrupy with an almost creamy taste. If you’re giving it as a gift, maybe your lucky gift will cook you something delicious with it as a thank you.

$13 on Amazon

Actually, this is vanilla paste It is recommended by chefs and pastry chefs around the world. It’s more flavorful than your regular vanilla extract and much easier to use than fresh vanilla beans—especially for those with limited dexterity, time, or patience for such an endeavor.

One small jar of this thick, syrupy paste contains the equivalent of 12 Madagascar variety vanilla beans. If you’ve ever gone bankrupt buying a jar of vanilla beans at the supermarket, you know that this economy alone makes this jar worth its place in your baking cupboard. Plus, just one teaspoon of this syrupy paste tastes like one vanilla bean.

You can use it in any recipe that calls for vanilla essence or extract, substituting the same amounts. I always make sure to stock up before the holidays when I reach for this vanilla paste to make classics like pecan pie and pumpkin pie flavor even more decadent. I’ve even used it to make New York style cheesecake.

Especially for Thanksgiving, I use a small dollop of this vanilla paste as a classic. Libby Pumpkin Pie recipe – even if it doesn’t call for vanilla! – because it’s a delicious addition that enhances the flavor of this American classic. I also add this paste to my mother’s Karo syrup-free pecan pie recipe (which I secretly only use Trisha Yearwood’s pecan pie recipe) and also use a tablespoon to make homemade whipped cream for pumpkin pie. It adds a delicious, indulgent hint of vanilla to the otherwise very simple flavors of pumpkin and pecan pie, and makes fresh whipped cream taste (and look!) like something from a fancy bakery.

At the end of the day, I know $13 is a lot to pay for a baking ingredient, but I believe this vanilla bean paste is a great addition to any home baker’s pantry. You (and your guests) won’t regret it.

Other Kitchen Deals We Recommend:

Nordstrom

Le Creuset — the best hostess brand. This French brand is synonymous with longevity and quality and makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves cooking and hosting feasts for friends and family. This three-piece set comes with everything they need for holiday cooking: 12.5-inch plate holders that hold 4 quarts; a 10-inch plate that holds 2.5 quarts; and a 7.5-inch plate that holds 1.1 liters.

$135 at Nordstrom

Walmart

This jack-of-all-trades performs four important functions in the kitchen: air frying, roasting, reheating and drying. The basket is deep enough to hold some chicken pieces and is easy to clean. If you’re keeping a large pup, yes, you might be better served by a larger model, but this 4-liter option is perfect for singles, couples, or a pair of hungry, hungry housemates.

$59 at Walmart

Keurig

An old-school drip coffee maker is great — sometimes. But when your house is full of people who love their coffee, A lot In many ways, the Keurig is the easy choice. This K-Express Essentials brews single-serve coffee pods in three sizes (6, 8, and 10 ounces) in the pod flavor of your choice. Maybe your grandfather prefers strong black coffee, while your grandchild loves pumpkin spice blend. Now everyone will be able to drink their coffee the way they want.

Editor’s note: The sage color pictured is out of stock, but you can still take advantage of this deal in black, navy blue, red and sky blue.

$45 at Walmart