 The price of vanilla is crazy now--not as bad as it was but still high! You'll need to take out a mortgage to get through the Christmas season. Unless you do this . . . find a substitute.
Use a different flavor! Vanilla is the canvas upon which the baker creates his or her art. It's the background flavor. But other flavors work just as well, often better. Here are three that we use in many of our recipes and mixes.
French Vanilla is "birthday cake" vanilla. It's great in cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, and more.
Caramel is the "new vanilla." This well-loved flavor works everywhere. Once you start using caramel, you won't go back to vanilla.
Brown Sugar Flavor is an excellent "canvas" flavor. We think it is much better than vanilla in recipes calling for cinnamon. | 
