Sunday, October 27, 2013

Add Vanilla From Tahiti to Your Halloween Cider Recipes

Vanilla From Tahiti can be the perfect addition to any Halloween celebration. Cooks, chelato makers, chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and food lovers alike agree this is one holiday to experiment and have fun with food. You don’t have to worry about upholding family traditions as all the ghosts and goblins look forward to something that can really lift their spirits!

When trying out your recipes for ghostly delights, think about adding the extra flavor of pure Vanilla From Tahiti to your recipe. We are the premier source for Tahitian vanilla extract, vanilla bean powder and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans. As the world's purveyor of the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti caters to those who expect the very best in quality vanilla bean extract. Here are a few Halloween Cider Recipes that will benefit from the strong, rich flavorings of Vanilla From Tahiti:

Warm Vanilla Cider: Straight from the kitchens of Martha Stewart, this mouth-watering delight will make you howl like a werewolf at the luscious undercurrents of pungent licorice and sweet caramel from Tahitian vanilla beans. With whipped cream and honeyed walnuts, this drink is like a dessert. When made without the bourbon, it's perfect for children.

Vanilla Lemon Apple Cider: Imagine the perfect balance of sweet vanilla and tart lemon combining perfectly in this tempting libation from Dragon’s Kitchen. Use a cinnamon stick to swirl it all around and you’ll be happier than Dracula at a blood bank!

Hot Caramel Apple Cider: Food.com put together this simple recipe that tastes like a liquid caramel apple. Use our PURE Tahitian vanilla extract (made from our own beans), which doesn't contain any sugar or additives of any kind, and you’ll feel all warm and yummy inside.

Hot Spiced Drunken Apple Cider: 3/4 of a bottle of Gewurztraminer, a whole vanilla bean from Tahiti, honey, and some spices sound like the perfect witch’s brew for an adult Halloween party punch to us.

Vanilla-and-Cider Panna Cottas with Spiced Ginger Cookies: Here’s a great combination of cider and plump vanilla beans in a dessert concoction from Foodandwine.com. Shawn McClain tops his cinnamon-and-vanilla-flavored panna cotta with an elegant apple-cider gelĂ©e. He equates the dessert to a Creamsicle because it so successfully combines creamy and tangy flavors. We equate it to the perfect end to a fun Halloween celebration.

No matter what creative recipes you’ve found to enhance your Halloween celebration, rely on Vanilla From Tahiti to add the finest touch of vanilla. Vanilla From Tahiti imports only real Tahitian vanilla beans from our partners in Raiatea, French Polynesia. Since our founding, we have become the web’s premier site for pure Tahitian vanilla products, Tahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla beans. Vanilla from Tahiti won the prestigious Medaille D’Or Award in 2012 for our array of fine vanilla products. Visit the website and Facebook page or call 805-965-5153 to obtain more information or buy vanilla extract for your Halloween libations!

Vanilla From Tahiti Relishes Our Santa Barbara Home



Vanilla From Tahiti was co-founded by Peter Cohen and Hiro Furumoto. Hiroyuki Furumoto was born and raised in Shimonoseki, Japan, and always had a fascination with international business. In 1995, around the time of the Hanshin earthquake, he decided to leave Japan for the U.S. and pursue a career in chemical engineering. After spending several years working for a U.S. engineering firm, Hiro decided to start an import business with Peter Cohen of Santa Barbara, CA called NUI Enterprises. Hiro's extensive experience with international business law and traveling gave him a unique perspective on the import/export business.


On a business trip to Tahiti in 2001, Hiro met up with some old friends, named Alain and Yannick, who were managing a successful vanilla bean farm. The timing was perfect as they were looking for an exclusive North American distributor of their 100% pure Tahitian vanilla beans. Not long after returning to the states, Hiro decided that vanilla beans would be the perfect product for his NUI enterprises and formed a company called Vanilla From Tahiti. After only a few years, VanillaFromTahiti.com grew into one of the web's most well-known resources for 100% pure Tahitian vanilla products. The site is now one of the most high-traffic web sites online for celebrity chefs, gelato makers, chocolatiers and foodies seeking the highest quality vanilla products, shipped directly from Tahiti.


As luck would have it, Santa Barbara turned out to be the perfect location for this business venture. The ideal weather, serene beaches, and healthy lifestyle all reflect values that the company holds dear. Its location on the Western U.S. coast also makes it extremely accessible for meeting business needs regarding their fine line of Tahitian vanilla products. Because this location has been so perfect for the Vanilla From Tahiti company, owners Cohen and Furumoto decided to repay the favor by promoting some of the finer points of this natural wonder. To accomplish this, Vanilla From Tahiti reviewed the website Relish Santa Barbara. Relish Santa Barbara is an insider’s guide to the food, wine and distinct culture of The American Riviera and surrounding wine country.


Whether visitors are Santa Barbara natives, families who want to plan the perfect vacation in Santa Barbara, couples looking for the perfect getaway weekend in Santa Barbara, or out-of-towners who are thinking about moving to Santa Barbara, the website encourages everyone to explore the beauty of the central coast, the charm of downtown State Street and the unsung (and sung!) favorites of the city and surrounding wine country.


Team Relish is headed by bon vivants, foodies, locavores, wine lovers and pure passionistas, Joslyn Baker and Stef Miller, who strive to dish out the best-kept and most well-known secrets of Santa Barbara and the Central Coast. They say Relish was born out of their deep love for exploring Santa Barbara and sharing their finds. They trained their palettes with hours of practice and the guidance of professional chefs and certified sommeliers.


As amateur adventurists and epicureans, Relish has set certain standards for its evaluation of locations, dining, and wine. The relish restaurant criteria are a guiding force in maintaining a fair critique of the Santa Barbara restaurant scene. They believe that everything deserves a minimum of two interactions before passing judgment. Reviews are based on food, wine, service, and ambience. The site encourages visitors to support the Santa Barbara local community by visiting these places:



Santa Barbara Adventures: Santa Barbara and the surrounding Central Coast is filled with exciting places to visit, and things to do. Relish breaks opportunities down into categories such as around town, block by block or further afield.
Santa Barbara Events: To help stoke your passion with others Relish highlights neighborhood events, wine tours, and “cluster” events such as “Relish The Holidays/Wine Tasting” or “Relish Solstice/Bloody Mary Potluck.”
Santa Barbara Places: If you’ve ever wondered where to find the best Reuben in Santa Barbara, look no further. This section contains insider advice on the wineries, food trucks, restaurants and specialty shops that make Santa Barbara special.




For more information on Relish Santa Barbara, a taste of place, visit their website, blog, Twitter feed (@RelishSB), Facebook page or Pinterest page.






About Vanilla From Tahiti: Known as the premier source for allergy free vanilla extract, vanilla bean powder,Tahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti is represented in the U.S. by NUI Enterprises, 501 Chapala Street, Suite A in Santa Barbara, CA. Further information may be found by visiting the website at www.vanillafromtahiti.com, calling 805-965-5153, or following the company on Facebook.

Vanilla From Tahiti Announces Web Site Redesign Plans

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The internet's top resource for 100% pure Tahitian vanilla products launched a website re-design campaign this week. The new site will provide customers with a streamlined shopping experience when buying vanilla extract and vanilla products.

In an effort to enhance the customer's experience when buying vanilla products, the company decided to redesign their web site into the Volusion shopping cart platform. The new site will showcase their vanilla products in greater detail, provide a simple, integrated one page checkout and enhance the shopping experience. The internet's top vanilla product distributor will offer special discounts and social media offers during the week leading up to the launch, making their product more affordable than ever before.

"We are excited to announce this monumental transition to a new and improved shopping cart," stated co-founder Hiro Furumoto. "In designing the new website, our goal is to achieve the same standard of excellence we expect from our product. We are confident our customers will find the new design as exceptional as our vanilla products."

The new website design is due to be unveiled next month, and will provide VanillaFromTahiti.com with the ability to cater directly to their most frequent customers, with a cutting edge loyalty program that rewards frequent buyers. Additionally, the platform provides users with the highest levels of security, meeting all necessary PCI security standards guidelines.

"We are working on a design that will allow us to provide a more personal experience for our customers," Furumoto said. "We value our clients, so it is important to us that they feel our appreciation in every interaction."

The company, founded by Hiro Furumoto and Peter Cohen in 2002, has expertly perfected the importing and exporting process of the world's finest vanilla beans. The pure tahitian vanilla beans are imported directly from local partners on the island of Raiatea, with no additions except Tahitian vanilla bean extractives, grain free alcohol (synthetic derived ethanol), and water. Used by some of the world's finest chef's, the vanilla products offered by the subsidiary of NUI Enterprises are well-known and highly valued. The company found success as a result of their steady focus on the quality of their product.

"For over 10 years, we have delivered pure Tahitian vanilla products to discerning cooks, gelato makers, celebrity chocolatiers, pastry chefs and lovers of vanilla," Furumoto stated. "Our new website will help grow the Vanilla From Tahiti brand, and spread awareness about the quality of our vanilla products."

About Vanilla from Tahiti: The world's top resource for pure Tahitian vanilla products provides visitors the opportunity to buy the finest Tahitian vanilla extract and vanilla products. The company strives to provide customers with expert information, resources, blogs and the chance to buy vanilla extract. The finest pastry chefs, chocolatiers and gelato makers from around the world choose Vanilla From Tahiti for its distinct Tahitian vanilla bean aroma and taste. Founded by Hiroyuki Furumoto and Peter Cohen in 2002, the world's top resource for Tahitian vanilla products is currently operated out of Santa Barbara, California.

Allergy Free Vanilla Extract: Why It Matters

Why is allergy free vanilla extract such a big deal now?

For the advanced chefs of today, tantalizing the taste buds is almost a prerequisite.  In order to take your cooking to the next level, one must consider the fact that allergic reactions to a meal can be the kiss of death to a celebrity chef's career.  
Whether you’re a cook, gelato maker, chocolatier, pastry chef, or a whole-hearted food lover, you might find it hard to imagine making anything without the rich and subtle undertones of a great vanillaflavoring. That’s the difficulty some cooks, bakers and parents confront, though, because of a child or loved one with an allergy.
Although we all love the grand flavor of vanilla, be aware that it can spell trouble for people with allergies to wheat, gluten or corn. The surprising fact is that many of the commercial vanilla products and vanilla extracts available today are made with grain alcohol, which can be made from wheat, corn, or rye. Even alcohol-free vanilla is often made with vegetable glycerin, which can leave behind an unusual taste in the mouth. Those that are labeled as being gluten-free might contain corn syrup or sulfating agents.  
True allergy free vanilla extract is not widely available. Allergy free vanilla extract is only available through specialty stores such as Vanilla From Tahiti.  When comparing Vanilla From Tahiti's allergy free vanilla extract to others in the industry, many celebrity chefs report the flavor as being the most robust.
“Why would people take health risks with imitation vanilla when the real thing is available and so much more flavorful?” asks Hiro Furumoto, co-founder of Vanilla From Tahiti. “Consumers don’t have to worry about illness or health problems because our products are made from 100% pure Tahitian vanilla. These pungent beans are plumper and more flavorful, with the savory taste of licorice, rich chocolate and sweet caramel.”

Allergy free vanilla extract is used by advanced chefs catering to discerning taste buds...

When you buy vanilla extract from Vanilla From Tahiti, you get a product that is made from pure Tahitian beans by Shank’s Extracts in PA. Nothing is added during the extraction process - no fillers, sugars, or other extractives - except our Tahitian vanilla bean extractives, grain-free alcohol, and water. They also follow strict procedures to keep any contaminates, such as nut oils, out of our extract. Many customers with severe food allergies are thrilled to be able to use our vanillaproducts safely and without problems. Our ground beans contain nothing except our beans.
The best part about using our allergy free vanilla extract products is the feeling of pride and joy you’ll have knowing that you’re providing your family and friends or customers with a pure product that’s rich in flavor and texture. When you add it to your cakes, gelato, pastries or try some of our hugely popular vanilla coffee, you’ll discover what so many celebrities and professional chefs already know. While the price might at first appear to be a bit more expensive than different kinds of vanilla because of availability and uniqueness, you’ll quickly realize it’s no big concern when you consider the vibrant difference the bold flavors will make in your food and the peace of mind you’ll get knowing that you’re using allergy-free vanilla extract.
The properties of allergy free vanilla extract appeal to chocolatiers, gelato makers, pastry chefs, and passionate cooks who understand and appreciate the nuances that subtle flavors and delicate spices bring to their foods.
About Vanilla From Tahiti: Known as the premier source for allergy free vanilla extractvanilla bean powder,Tahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti is represented in the U.S. by NUI Enterprises, 501 Chapala Street, Suite A in Santa Barbara, CA. Further information may be found by visiting the website at www.vanillafromtahiti.com, calling 805-965-5153, or following the company on Facebook.
Allergy Free Vanilla Extract

Vanilla From Tahiti Attending Fancy Food Show In New York

Santa Barbara, CA - June 30th - Vanilla From Tahiti is attending the 2013 Fancy Food Show, North America’s largest specialty food & beverage event of the year.
Foodies from all over the world come to discover180,000 products including confections, cheese, coffee, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural, organic and more. Over 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries will have their best products on display. 

Vanilla From Tahiti will have a variety of vanilla products for sampling as well as industry representatives who can answer questions about this intense form of vanilla at Booth #4662.  
Tahitian vanilla beans are two to three times as plump as other milder forms of vanilla, with more of the flavorful vanilla caviar inside. Tahitian vanilla products are described as having a strong, rich vanilla aroma with tones of ripe fruit. The taste pleases the palette with hints of rich chocolate, licorice and sweet caramel.
The properties of Tahitian vanilla extract appeal to chocolatiers, gelato makers, pastry chefs, and passionate cooks who understand and appreciate the nuances that subtle flavors and delicate spices bring to their foods.
Known as the premier source for vanilla bean powder, Tahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti is represented in the U.S. by NUI Enterprises, 501 Chapala Street, Suite A in Santa Barbara, CA. Further information may be found by visiting the website at www.vanillafromtahiti.com, calling 805-965-5153, or following the company on Facebook.

Vanilla From Tahiti Makes a Splash at EXPO WEST 2013

While some non-Tahitian vanilla beans half the size of ours can be found for less money, gram for gram our beans are both competitively priced and superior in flavor. We import only the highest quality true Tahitian vanilla beans (official name: Vanilla X Tahitensis JB Moore) directly from our partners on the island of Raiatea. Our partners expertly cure the beans to the perfect moisture content, maximizing both taste and aroma.
The Vanilla From Tahiti team recently traveled to Anaheim, California to attend the largest expo in the natural food and beverage industry, Natural Products Expo West. Each year, this show gives us a chance to showcase the properties of our Tahitian vanilla extract to chocolatiers, gelato makers, pastry chefs, passionate cooks and natural food vendors who understand and appreciate the nuances that subtle flavors and delicate spices bring to their foods.  
The 2013 EXPO WEST event had record numbers of both exhibitors and attendees this year, drawing more than 63,000 industry members and 2,428 exhibiting companies at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 7-10, 2013 in Anaheim, CA. 
We embrace Expo West as our perfect opportunity to shine in front of thousands of like-minded brands, members of the press, distributors, and retail buyers. It is a place where connections are made, partnerships are forged, and brands are launched.
Trends prominent at Natural Products Expo West included gluten- and allergen-free products, sprouted foods, healthy snacks, non-dairy alternatives, vegan and paleo offerings, and healthier, cleaner kids' products.
As we walked around the show and sampled our neighbor’s products, a conversation we kept hearing at the event was the Whole Foods Market announcement that by 2018 all products in their stores must be labeled to indicate whether they contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 
There were so many amazing products at the event.  Deciding upon which ones to list in our review was not an easy task.  Below are a few products that really stood out to us at the event as remarkable in one way or another. 
DF Mavens Dairy Free Ice Cream - DF Mavens Dairy Free Ice Cream, the is a delicious, healthy, non dairy ice cream. NewHope360 named DF Mavens one of T H E Top 5 most delicious and innovative products at Natural Products Expo West 2013. The market for dairy-free products has grown enormously over the last decade, as customers who are health-minded, allergy-restricted and/or lactose-intolerant search for desserts they can eat and enjoy. Check them out on Facebook.
One Degree Organic Foods -  this company is redefining "organic", they are taking natural food to a whole different level.  This is a family-owned company dedicated to producing simple, sustainable and transparent foods.  They won the Nexty Award, a title bestowed annually upon new products that best represent the future of healthy, natural food. Check them out on Facebook.

La Panzanella® - They get our vote for the most tasty healthy crackers at the event.  La Panzanella®, known for its hearty peasant bread and homey cafe, quickly grew into one of the most popular bakeries in Seattle's Capital Hill area. Although the master bakers at La Panzanella® created all kinds of artisanal breads, their greatest success came in 1997, with the creation of the first Croccantini® cracker. Uniquely crunchy and delicious, Croccantini® (or "Crunchy Little Bite" in Italian) crackers soon became La Panzanella's® most popular product. Check them out on Facebook.
 
Sweet Loren's - These ready-to-bake cookies and brownies use whole grains and cut artificial ingredients. We absolutely loved these cookies! They were delicious, and it is amazing how they can make something so healthy taste so good!  Check them out on Facebook.

Pacari Chocolate is a line of premium organic chocolate, and the first single-origin organic chocolate made in entirely in Ecuador. They carefully select the finest ingredients and work in small batches in order to bring you an unforgettable chocolate experience.  For all you discerning chocolate lovers out there, Pacari is known for developing a rare and complex flavor profile based on the Arriba Nacionalcacao bean.  One of a kind!  Become one of their 17,000 Facebook Followers here.
Dave’s Midnight Bakery uses only Fair Trade Certified Organic Chocolate. Why is this so important? Because thousands of children are forced to labor in the production of cocoa, chocolate’s primary ingredient. Dave’s Midnight Bakery is committed to helping put an end this atrocity. To learn more about what you can do to help click here Check Dave out on his Facebook Page.

Sjaak's Organic Chocolates aims to create the highest quality gourmet organic chocolates possible while simultaneously supporting a positive work environment, fair trade practices and encouraging sustainable agriculture through the use of organic, non-GMO ingredients. It is also the goal of Sjaak's Organic Chocolates to build a socially responsible, profitable business that can be carried on for generations to come.  They are on Facebook = follow them for specials.

Love With Food is the easiest way to discover what's tasty, delivered to your door! Every month, Love With Food members receive a curated box of unique, hard-to-find tasty bites which varies based on seasonal themes. Say goodbye to boring grocery selections and HELLO to a monthly tasty surprise!  We admire that they are helping the more than 16 million children in America who are at risk of hunger. For every box sold, they donate a meal to several food banks such as the Feeding America Network and Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry.   Like them on Facebook
Silver Hills Bakery has two simple goals: bake wholesome, great tasting bread and inspire healthier living through healthier choices. Silver Hills breads and bagels are loaded with fiber, protein and fantastic flavor. They use pure, natural ingredients and keep out anything they can’t pronounce.  Like them on Facebook.

Back at our table, attendees seemed genuinely excited about our 100% Tahitian Vanilla extract.  Surprisingly, they were particularly interested in the allergen-free aspects of our Vanilla products. This seemed to be a recurring talking point at our table.  Based on the feedback that we received, we think our presence will make people think twice about using artificial vanilla products containing allergens.
Surprisingly, they were particularly interested in the allergen-free aspects of our Vanilla products.
The Medaille D'Or Award we received for our Tahitian vanilla beans in 2012 was another buzz-worthy topic at our table.  We were pleasantly surprised to learn the large number of people familiar with the Medaille D'Or Award or "Gold Medal CGA Paris" (Concours General Agricole) at the show.
Tahitian vanilla products continue to be a hot topic in celebrity food circles, chocolatiers, gelato makers, pastry chefs, and discerning cooks.  Our drive for excellence in vanilla bean products continues to expand year after year.  We are so grateful to everyone for helping make us a success story.
Everyone on our team felt the show was a success given the great education and new connections made at the event.  We are planning on exhibiting at the 2014 EXPO WEST event and hope to see some old faces there from the year prior.
That wraps up our summary of Natural Products Expo West 2013.   As always, we’ll be sure to keep our loyal foodies informed with our latest news and moves with the business.  Thank you for your support!
About Vanilla From Tahiti: Known as the premier source for vanilla bean powderTahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti is represented in the U.S. by NUI Enterprises, 501 Chapala Street, Suite A in Santa Barbara, CA. Further information may be found by visiting the website at www.vanillafromtahiti.com, calling 805-965-5153, or following the company on Facebook.

Vanilla From Tahiti Exhibiting At Expo West Food Conference

Santa Barbara, CA - March 6th - Vanilla From Tahiti will introduce foodies, cooks, chelato makers, chocolatiers, pastry chefs and lovers of vanilla to the unique aroma and bold flavor of Tahitian vanilla products during the Natural Products Expo West which will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA from March 8-10. The company will have a variety of vanilla products for sampling as well as industry representatives who can answer questions about this intense form of vanilla at Booth 7006. Show floor hours are Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Tahitian vanilla beans are two to three times as plump as other milder forms of vanilla, with more of the flavorful vanilla caviar inside. Tahitian vanilla products are described as having a strong, rich vanilla aroma with tones of ripe fruit. The taste pleases the palette with hints of rich chocolate, licorice and sweet caramel.
According to company representative Peter Cohen the properties of Tahitian vanilla extract appeal to chocolatiers, gelato makers, pastry chefs, and passionate cooks who understand and appreciate the nuances that subtle flavors and delicate spices bring to their foods. “When you buy vanilla extract from Tahiti, the price may appear a bit more expensive at first,” commented Cohen. “But when you consider the larger size and strong bouquet of Tahitian vanilla, you will see that they are not only price competitive but well worth it for the vibrant difference they bring to the dinner and dessert tables.”
Winner of the Medaille D'Or Award in 2012, Vanilla From Tahiti looks forward to displaying and discussing the benefits of Tahitian vanilla products at its Natural Products Expo West booth. The company caters to those who seek the very best ingredients for their cooking and baking, and sells to many professional and celebrity chefs who buy only vanilla extract from Tahiti. According to Robert Cortez of RobertoCortez.com, "From the first touch, you realize this is no ordinary vanilla. The subtle, tender and moist bean is intoxicatingly robust to the nose with a vibrant and powerful taste. I have just found my favorite vanilla bean"
Rated as one of the top 200 trade shows in the U.S., Natural Products Expo West is the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry. Over 60,000 industry professionals are expected to interact with over 3,000 exhibits during the course of this event, where they will have the opportunity to identify today’s best sellers and spot the food trends of tomorrow.
Known as the premier source for vanilla bean powder, Tahitian vanilla extract, and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti is represented in the U.S. by NUI Enterprises, 501 Chapala Street, Suite A in Santa Barbara, CA. Further information may be found by visiting the website at www.vanillafromtahiti.com, calling 805-965-5153, or following the company on Facebook.

How To Make Chocolate Hearts For Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a great occasion for showing your loved ones how much they mean to you and one of the best ways to do this is to make some homemade chocolate hearts. Of course you can get them in the store but nothing says, "I love you" quite like presenting your own homemade treats.
The following recipe dates from 1910, so it is more than a hundred years old. You will need sugar, water, condensed milk, butter, and cooking chocolate.
A little vanilla extract adds a nice flavor to the hearts as well, although you could experiment with almond extract or another flavor if you wanted to. Condensed milk is a mixture of milk and sugar; it is really sweet and used in various dessert recipes.
The Recipe
Heat two cups of sugar with one third of a cup of water and one third of a cup of condensed milk, stirring gently every few minutes. When the mixture reaches 236 degrees F, add quarter of a cup of butter and allow the mixture to boil. Take it off the heat and stir in one and a half squares of cooking chocolate.
Let the mixture stand until it is cool, then stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it is thick. Pour it into a paper-lined pan, then turn it out and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make individual shapes. You can use any shape you like but a heart-shaped one is especially nice for Valentine's Day.
You can either pack the chocolates in little gift boxes or use them to decorate a homemade dessert such as a no bake cheesecake or a fruit cake.
You can make plenty at once if you are using a small cookie cutter or use a bigger cookie cutter to make larger ones but not so many. Everyone is sure to be thrilled with your little homemade treats and they will keep for a few weeks in an airtight container.
More Sweet Ideas For Valentine's Day
Chocolate hearts are not the only thing you can make if you want to delight your family this Valentine's Day. You can also make a homemade dessert to thrill them after dinner. What about making a cake or a no bake cheesecake? You can make this hours beforehand and just let it chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
One of the best ingredients to use on a no bake cheesecake recipe has to be jello because you can use it to add flavor, color and a wonderful texture.
Jello comes in many different flavors and you can either add it to the cream cheese layer, to add flavor, or pour it over the top of the cheesecake when it has thickened up, so it sets attractively and holds the fruit or other toppings in place.

Vanilla From Tahiti Reviews Specialtyfood.com

Vanilla from Tahiti has built our reputation by offering what we feel is exceptional vanilla extract, vanilla beans and other Tahitian vanilla products. We are proud of the fact that many award winning and celebrity chefs have discovered our products, and order repeatedly from us. Our business continues to grow as more and more chefs, candy makers, gelato makers and bakers discover the difference that Vanilla from Tahiti makes in their recipes. It has become the “secret ingredient” for many.
In an effort to keep our loyal customers informed and connected in the food industry, we highlight a resource that we think is of significant value.  This month, we are pleased to highlight SpecialtyFood.com to our loyal chefs, cooks, chocolatiers and restaurant owners. The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade is an exceptional organization with a valuable website that deserves a closer look. 
What is the NASFT?
The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade is a prominent trade association in our industry and has been in existence since 1952. This not-for-profit organization has over 3,000 members, including retailers, restaurants, importers and brokers. Their focus is to move the specialty food industry forward and help consumers understand the distinctiveness of the specialty food business.
They provide support for those of us in the specialty food trade and in 2012, celebrated 60 years in the business.
The NASFT Fancy Food Shows
Each year the NASFT presents two major food events called the Fancy Food Shows. With a Summer Show in New York City and Winter event in San Francisco, the shows attract an amazing 40,000 people from over 80 countries each year.
The events also feature prominent keynote speakers, like John Mackey, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Whole Foods Market. Mr. Mackey is keynote speaker for the 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show.
These Fancy Food Shows are an excellent way for those in the special food field to display, sample and get exposure for their products. Imagine a show with over a quarter of a million different food products on display. Coffee, snacks, spices, cheese, confections, snacks and more…it is all at the NASFT Fancy Food Shows each January and June. You can find out more about the Fancy Food Show here.
The Sofi Awards
The NASFT is the sponsoring organization for the prestigious Sofi Awards, given each year to those who have excelled in the specialty food industry. Sofi stands for “specialty, outstanding, foof, innovation” and is the specialty food equivalent of the Oscars. They have been presenting Sofi Awards since 1972.
Gold and Silver Sofi Awards are presented in categories like Dairy and Cheese, Chocolate, Cold Beverage, Cracker, New Product, Snack Food and more. The awards are presented at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.
You can read more about the Sofi Award and review a list of past winners of the SpecialFood.com website.
Other Resources at SpecialtyFood.com
The NASFT website is a valuable resource for trends in the industry, news, and events. The website also features a “Knowledge Center” with access to webinars, pamphlets and information about education events sponsored by the NASFT.
The site also includes a forums area for discussions about the specialty food business, classifieds and even a jobs area for employment opportunities in the business. You don’t have to even be a member to enjoy some of these areas of the SpecialtyFood.com website.
The NASFT does an excellent job of keeping their website informative, up-to-date and useful. It is worth a visit.
There are a variety of levels of membership available for the NASFT. If you are interested in becoming a member of the National Association of the Specialty Food Trade and taking advantage of the wonderful networking and business opportunities that membership provides, you can find details here.  
Like them on Facebook to stay up to date on specialty food conventions in your area.
Spurred in part by the increasing number of organic products and whole food stores, the growth of the specialty food industry has been tremendous. Vanilla From Tahiti is pleased to be a part of that growth. We take pride in providing vanilla extract and natural vanilla beans from Tahiti for those who choose to use the best ingredients.
If you buy vanilla extract, consider Tahitian vanilla extract from Vanilla From Tahiti. We look forward to serving you.
Want to learn more? There is much more information about what makes Tahitian vanilla distinctive and more about the founders of Vanilla From Tahiti at http://www.VanillaFromTahit.com
Don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook to receive special coupons and monthly discounts.
About Vanilla From Tahiti: Vanilla From Tahiti is the premier source for Tahitian vanilla extract, vanilla bean powder and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans.  As the world's purveyor of the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti caters to those who expect the very best in quality vanilla bean extract.   The finest pastry chefs, chocolatiers and gelato makers from around the world choose Vanilla From Tahiti for its distinct Tahitian vanilla bean aroma and taste. For phone orders or questions please call 805-965-5153.
Santa Barbara Culinary Events - Tahitian Vanilla Beans and Vanilla Products

Step up your Recipes with Vanilla from Tahiti

Many of us take vanilla extract for granted. Vanilla in its many forms is a staple in most of our kitchens, and we may not give much thought to its history or varieties. The term "vanilla" in fact denotes something that is plain or simple, but vanilla is far from that. As you’ll see, vanilla has an interesting backstory.
We are going to investigate what makes Tahitian vanilla products in particular, different from those grown elsewhere. We’ll discuss why it may be the best choice for those who buy vanilla products including chocolatiers, pastry chefs, gelato makers and cooks who understand the nuances of flavorings and spices.
Before we get to Vanilla From Tahiti, let’s start with a quick journey into the history of vanilla.
Brief History of Vanilla
For those who enjoy food, the name Heman Cortes should be at the very top of the list of great discoverers. Cortes was the Spanish conquistador who was responsible for bringing BOTH chocolate and vanilla to Europe from Mexico around 1520. That makes him a foodie rock star.
In fact for a long time vanilla was only grown in Mexico because of the monogamous relationship between a specific Mexican bee and the vanilla orchid. That local bee was the only natural pollinator of the plant, so for over 300 years Mexico had the market cornered on vanilla. Then a twelve year old slave on the Indian Ocean Island of Bourbon (now Reunion) found the plant could be pollinated by hand.
Today, vanilla comes from 4 major regions.
  • Bourbon or Madagascar Vanilla – That little slave child really started something. Vanilla from the Southwestern Indian Ocean region now produces most of the vanilla in the world, including the island of Reunion, formerly known as the island of Bourbon.
  • Mexican vanilla – The original producer of vanilla is still a major player in the production of the bean.
  • West Indian Vanilla – Mostly grown in areas that include Central America, South America, and the Carribean Islands.
  • Tahitian Vanilla – This strain of vanilla was brought to Polynesia by a French admiral from the Philippines. The French love affair with the bean is evident from the term “French vanilla”.
  • Tahitian vanilla has some distinct qualities that make it very appealing to chefs across the globe. It’s popularity continues to increase, and a website called VanillaFromTahiti.com is a major reason why.
Why you should consider Tahitian Vanilla Products
If you use vanilla extract or natural vanilla, you’ll want to consider Tahitian vanilla products from Vanilla From Tahiti.
Natural vanilla from Tahiti is much larger and plumper than the vanilla you may normally use. While the price may appear more expensive, its larger size makes its gram-for-gram price competitive. You will simply be amazed at the difference. Tahitian vanilla extract has a bouquet that is sweet and a taste that is at once vibrant yet subtle. Many professional and celebrity chefs buy vanilla extract from Tahiti, and if you take your cooking, baking or candy making seriously, you’ll also want to consider Vanilla From Tahitii.
Vanilla From Tahiti caters specifically to those who are seeking the very best ingredients for their recipes. Beans are carefully harvested with the appropriate moisture content and cut to exacting specifications. Those with grain allergies will want to note that vanilla extract from Vanilla from Tahiti is the only Tahitian vanilla that is pure bean, containing no grains.
Thank you Cortes
The name of Heman Cortes may never be considered on a list that would include Henry Ford, Thomas Edison or Alexander Graham Bell. For those of us who enjoy chocolate and vanilla flavors, perhaps he should be. Because of him, and a twelve year old boy from off of Southeast Africa, we can enjoy the distinct flavor of vanilla in ways we wouldn’t otherwise have.
Make a discovery of your own by beginning to use Tahitian vanilla extract in your recipes. It will definitely make a difference you can taste.
Want to learn more? There is much more information about what makes Tahitian vanilla distinctive and more about the founders of Vanilla From Tahiti at http://www.VanillaFromTahit.com
Don't forget to LIKE US on Facebook to receive special coupons and monthly discounts.
About Vanilla From Tahiti: Vanilla From Tahiti is the premier source for Tahitian vanilla extract, vanilla bean powder and Tahitian vanilla coffee made from the finest Tahitian vanilla beans.  As the world's purveyor of the finest Tahitian vanilla beans, Vanilla From Tahiti caters to those who expect the very best in quality vanilla bean extract.   The finest pastry chefs, chocolatiers and gelato makers from around the world choose Vanilla From Tahiti for its distinct Tahitian vanilla bean aroma and taste. For phone orders or questions please call 805-965-5153.
Santa Barbara Culinary Events - Tahitian Vanilla Beans and Vanilla Products