Category: Baking with Kids

What’s the best vanilla bean paste? And why would you use it instead of vanilla extract or beans? We dive into all things vanilla, first by testing popular vanilla bean paste brands with blind taste tests of freshly baked cookies (a tough job, but someone had to do it). Which had the best overall flavor profile? Made from organic beans? The least alcohol aftertaste? Here are the vanilla bean pastes we’d recommend.

FYI: We’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don’t take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!

What’s the best cinnamon? We tried out 9 major brands, comparing quality and taste. We baked rolls, stirred cinnamon into beverages and tried it in recipes. Here is the cinnamon that passed our taste tests.

FYI: We’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don’t take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!

What’s the best brown sugar? We tried 9 brands of brown sugar and started baking cookies! Which worked the best? Organic? Here are the brands we liked the best.

FYI: We’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don’t take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!

What’s the best Mexican vanilla? We tried vanilla extracts, flavoring and beans from Mexico in several recipes. And then we did blind taste tests with vanilla enthusiasts. Here are the ones we liked the best.

FYI: We’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. To keep things independent, we don’t take money or freebies from brands we review! Our work is 100% reader-supported!

What is the best ground vanilla? And how can you use it instead of extract? We polled our parent readers for their favorite ground vanilla brands. Then we interviewed two pastry chefs for their expert insights. Finally, we did a blind taste test with 8 brands. Which ground vanilla is best for ice cream? For use in spice rubs? Here are the winners.

FYI: We’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. We don’t take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported!

What is the best matcha green tea powder? We sampled 13 different varieties, from culinary to ceremonial grade. Which was best for baking? Smoothies? Here are the ones we’d recommend.

FYI: Since 1994, we’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home, families and children. We don’t take money or freebies from brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported! Thanks in advance for reading this article.

What is the best pistachio paste? To find out, we gathered the pistachio enthusiasts among our staff and did a blind taste test with 9 brands. Which is best for making gelato? Best overall smooth texture? Here are the ones we judged as best.

FYI: We’ve been reviewing and rating products for the home and families since 1994. We don’t take money or freebies from the brands we review. Our work is 100% reader-supported!

What is the best 00 flour? This finely ground flour from Italy is a favorite for pizza crusts and pasta. We ordered in bags of 00 flour from top brands and started cooking. Which was best for pizza? Pasta? Here’s what we’d recommend to you.

FYI: We’ve been rating and review products for the home and families since 1994. We don’t take money or freebies from brands we review—we do hands-on testing, buying items with our own money. Our work is 100% reader-supported! We sincerely thank you for reading this article.