How do you show appreciation to your loved ones? If you’re like me, then you cook and bake. You bake and cook. That’s what I would do every single day if I could! Making delicious food for my family is very satisfying to me 🙂
Thankfully, one of my all-time favorite companies has launched a campaign about baking to share and to appreciate. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is at the forefront of baking perfection, and those of you who have been following me for awhile know that I take great pride in my partnership with this local (Waukegan IL – based) company. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas contacted me recently to invite me to promote their latest campaign. Being the enthusiastic baker and local business supporter that I am, I said yes, and I went on baking 🙂
There is no sweeter gift during the holiday season than sharing homemade delights with your loved ones, and Nielsen-Massey wants to help families and friends enjoy the experience during this unprecedented holiday season. That is why they are excited to announce their first ever Nielsen-Massey Vanillas Bake to Share holiday sweepstakes!Â
On Instagram ONLY and through December, four lucky winners have the opportunity to win 13 of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas’ most popular products (ARV per prize: $215). Just submit a fresh picture of your seasonal baked creations using the hashtag #NMVBaketoShare, and you can win a gift basket featuring 13 of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas’ most popular products! There is no limit to the number of times you can enter. One winner is selected each month, for a total of four winners during the sweepstakes. But that’s not all: the winners are also able to select someone else to receive the same prize! More info about the sweepstakes can be found here.
Nielsen-Massey Vanillas sent me three products (Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Ugandan Pure Vanilla Extract & Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans) to include in my baking this season. I used the Madagascar extract to reimagine my tried-and-trusted pound cake recipe.
I added vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice to the batter, and I topped it with sliced Italian plums.
The moist tartness of the plums coupled with the aromatic sweetness of the vanilla-infused batter made for some truly delicious foodie fall vibes.
I used Nielsen-Massey’s Ugandan extract and vanilla beans to make my aunt’s cocoa cake, which I posted on the blog back in 2016.
I love this cake because it’s moist and flavorful, but also because it elevates one of my childhood’s favorite no-fuss sweet treats: egg yolk mixed with sugar. Back in the day we had no idea about raw eggs and salmonella, but every time my mom was pressed for time she would take this shortcut and whip up an egg yolk with sugar – and I never got sick 🙂
In my aunt’s cake, an egg yolk and sugar mix is poured over shortly before the cake is done. The result: a spongy topping which is nothing short of spectacular.
I included the vanilla beans in a creme anglaise which I thought would work well with the cake. I got the recipe from epicurious.
This is a cake that I will definitely bake to share the holiday season. During this very difficult year, I’ve taken comfort in the tastes of my childhood and in beautiful memories of people and places. This cake reminds me of all of these and transports me to a place of peace, delight, and temporary relief from the ongoing pandemic-related uncertainties. This cake provides the sweetest escapism and the most delicious flavors and textures.Â
Feel free to check out Nielsen-Massey’s Instagram page to submit your sweepstakes entry as well as to check out additional information regarding this campaign. I hope one of my readers wins – that would be very sweet indeed 🙂
*Disclaimer: While I received complimentary products to facilitate this review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
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