I have come across an amazing ingredient for baking that I don't know how I lived without for so long--it is Nielsen-Massey Vanilla. These pure and intense flavors are incredible!  Using them in baking changes the taste of what you are making for the better and they are amazing!  I received some of their special vanillas and I absolutely love them.  I know you will, too!  Visit their website to learn more about them and then try out the fantastic recipes featured in this week's newsletter brought to us by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas--Gourmet Blueberry Vanilla Granola and Not so Blonde Brownies--they are sure to be a favorite with you and your kids!

Two lucky Macaroni Kid readers are going to win :

• 2 oz Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
• 2 oz Peppermint Extract 
• 2 oz Chocolate Extract

To enter, email me with Vanilla in the subject line to maryannj@macaronikid.com.  A winner will be picked on or around November 7th, 2010, at which time this giveaway will be closed.  No purchase necessary.  Must be a subscriber of Macaroni Kid to be eligible.  Winner will be picked at random from eligible entries and notified by email

 You can find Nielsen Massey Vanilla locally at:

LE GOURMET CHEF
44 LIBERTY VILLAGE
FLEMINGTON , NJ  08822
908-782-7879

DID YOU KNOW?

• Nielsen-Massey Vanilla beans are hand-picked for perfection. A proprietary cold extraction process slowly and gently draws the delicate and distinctive flavor from the vanilla beans.
• Nielsen-Massey is audited annually by The American Institute of Baking, from whom it has received Superior ratings each year since 1990. This inspection involves a thorough review and analysis of the manufacturing policies and procedures throughout the production facility.
• Nielsen-Massey offers its signature extract, powder and beans in certified organic form. Nielsen-Massey's Waukegan facility is certified by Quality Assurance International and the Leeuwarden facility is certified by Skal. 
• Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is owned by third generation siblings Craig, Matt and Beth Nielsen. The family business has been dedicated to pure vanilla products since 1907.
• Nielsen-Massey Vanillas corporate headquarters is located in Waukegan, Illinois, USA with facilities in both Waukegan and at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas International, LLC, in Leeuwarden, Netherlands.
• Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is proud to offer the following products: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar and Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Beans. As well as Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water.

All Nielsen-Massey’s fine vanillas and extracts are:

-   Gluten-free Certified - Nielsen-Massey Vanillas was one of the first extract companies and ingredient suppliers in the United States to be certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.  This food processing inspection program verifies that food products meet the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and are produced in a safe environment. 

-   Kosher Certified - Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and Pure Extracts are all certified Kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

-   Allergen-Free – Nielsen-Massey Vanilla products are also allergen-free.

-   US Made Products - All Nielsen-Massey’s vanillas and extracts sold in the US are manufactured in the United States with the exception of the vanilla sugar bottles which are made in Italy