Get Our Homemade Vanilla for Gifts and Baking (While Supplies Last; Freebie with Purchase!)

November 10, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

It’s that time of year again! We have a batch of our delicious Heavenly Homemakers Vanilla Extract bottled up and ready to ship out to you!

Our Heavenly Homemakers Vanilla Extract is perfect for:

Holiday Baking! and
Gift Giving!

Our vanilla is:

100% pure
Not watered down
Has no sugar added
Shipped for free!

We make it like this – it’s the best of the best. It’s better than what you can buy at the store, yet it costs about the same or even less. Shipped to your door!

BONUS – free “Made With Love” Stickers!

When you buy 2 or more 8-ounce bottles of vanilla, or 3 or more bottles of 4-ounce bottles of vanilla, we’ll send you a free sheet of these gorgeous Made With Love stickers ($8.95 value ~ 20 stickers per sheet!)

Use these beautiful stickers as you give gifts of homemade goodies this Christmas season! (You can personalize them here if you want to purchase them separately!)

Our Homemade Vanilla quantities are very limited, so get this while you can!

Usually, we sell out within less than 48 hours.

Home / Shop

Heavenly Homemakers Homemade Vanilla Extract - 8 ounce

$32.00

Categories: Vanilla Extract

Manufacturer: Heavenly Homemakers

Description

Made with only the best ingredients, this vanilla extract is 100% pure! Ingredients include high-quality vanilla beans and vodka - that's it! Slow brewed for 6 months, this vanilla is delicious and perfect for your baking needs. Because this extract has such a strong, pure flavor, feel free to cut the amount of vanilla in half when following a recipe - then you can get even more bang for your buck! FREE SHIPPING included with your purchase!

Home / Shop

Heavenly Homemakers Homemade Vanilla Extract - 4 ounces

$20.00

Categories: Vanilla Extract

Manufacturer: Heavenly Homemakers

Description

How we make Vanilla Extract

Want a peek into how we make our Vanilla Extract? Here you go! We highly recommend that you try this at home. ;)

Want to make it quickly – even in time for Christmas? Here’s how to make Vanilla Extract in your Instant Pot!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Are Vanilla Bean Prices Going Down?

March 4, 2021 by Laura 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Is it true? Are vanilla bean prices going down? After several years, I can finally tell you yes!

What happened to the vanilla bean prices?

Back in 2017, there was a major vanilla bean crop failure which caused a shortage of beans and a huge price spike. It was a big bummer for those of us who love to use vanilla extract for cooking and baking, but even more so for those of us who love to make our own vanilla.

Finally, about a year ago, I checked prices again and found that there was a little bit of a rebound. Prices were lower. Not low, mind you. But lower than they had been. So I did the math and began to again recommend that making vanilla would save you money. (Because the price of commercial vanilla had also gone way up! Making it at home saved money even though vanilla bean prices were still on the high side.)

{Bonus! Olive Nation gives us an extra 15% discount when we use the code home, so that helps even more!}

Then, just a few weeks ago, a reader emailed to clarify what kind of vanilla beans I usually buy. See, in this post I had said that you can buy 25 beans for $91 after our special 15% discount. But she saw the regular price for 25 beans listed at $62. Was she looking at the correct beans?

I didn’t read her email correctly at first, so I thought, “Oh no! Did the price go up again?” Haha, Laura. Read the email again. :) :) Not up, but down! The price went down!!!

You guys! This is all so exciting! We’ve waited a long time for this and we can all get vanilla beans at a much lower price and make vanilla extract again for huge money savings! Not to mention – homemade vanilla is amazing!!

Where I get my vanilla beans

I always buy from Olive Nation. I’ve worked with them for years and am always so happy with all they offer. Their prices are the best. Their quality is the best.

Side note: Once, a long time ago, I bought from another source and the beans were dry and shriveled. Never again. Olive Nation always now for me!

Because Olive Nation has worked with us here for so long, they really appreciate Heavenly Homemakers readers. They give us a forever discount because they want us to be extra happy with our purchase. They know we all love to save money as we care for our families well. So they’ve set up the code home and it gives us all a 15% discount on our vanilla bean orders! (Orders over $50 also receive free shipping so there’s that perk too!)

What kind of vanilla beans do I buy?

I currently purchase Olive Nations Papua New Guinean Beans. Why? Because they are the lowest in cost right now.

When the vanilla bean shortage made prices go up, Olive Nation started bringing in a supply of beans from several different countries. The prices from each range from $62-$172 for 25 beans from different areas around the globe. I’ve definitely found that the quality of the less expensive beans is still wonderful! So I go with the $62 bean package and have been very happy with what I get!

Another side note: I rarely only buy 25 beans at once. Usually, I buy two-four times that many. But I’m using that as an example because I’m guessing some of you don’t make homemade vanilla in such bulk quantities!

Is it hard to make Vanilla Extract?

Not even a little bit. It’s incredibly easy. Get all the details and see a full tutorial here. Or follow these simple instructions:

Are Vanilla Bean Prices Going Down?

Save Print

Author: Laura

Serves: ½ gallon

Ingredients

1.75 liters of inexpensive vodka
25 Vanilla Beans enter code HOME for a 15% discount on Vanilla Beans through Olive Nation!!

Instructions

Slice through each bean lengthwise, leaving about one inch at the top of each bean uncut so that it stays together.
Place all of your cut Vanilla Beans into a half-gallon jar.
Fill the jar with vodka.
Secure the lid and put the jar in a dark place (like in the back of a cabinet).
Allow it to sit and "extract" for 4-6 months.
Every few weeks during extracting time, shake the jar to mix it up a bit.

Bonus Resources:

Read this post to learn how to finish and strain your vanilla after 4-6 months.
You can purchase dark amber bottles here.
Order personalized vanilla stickers for bottles and gifts here.
Get your beans here, and use the code HOME to get 15% off!

Time to make vanilla again!

Enjoy this fun price dip and the discount we receive to go with it. Make some vanilla to enjoy in your kitchen – how fun!!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

10 Fun Ideas to Try This Year

January 17, 2021 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

It’s too easy to put off trying fun new ideas! So I’ve made it easy for you. I made you a list. Which of these have you already tried? Which have you thought about trying but still haven’t? Now’s the time!! These are all so much fun!

10 Fun Ideas to Try This Year

1. Make Homemade Vanilla. I hear from many of you that you have thought about it many times but still haven’t tried this fun idea. Maybe now’s the time!! Here’s the “old fashioned way” to make vanilla. Here’s how to make Vanilla Extract in your Instant Pot. You’re going to love this!

2. Drink a Green Smoothie. It’s the best way to eat lots of greens every day. Just do it!! (Or eat a salad, whichever you prefer!)

3. Make Frozen Muffin Batter. This idea is so fun and practical that if you haven’t tried it yet, you simply must. Freeze your muffin batter. Pull out batter balls and easily bake fresh muffins with no effort!

4. Make a High Five Recipe. Scroll through these recipes that only call for 5 or fewer ingredients. These are so easy and good!! Make one or two of them. And if you love them (which you will, of course) go get our lovely printed High Five Recipes Cookbook!

5. Make a Five Minute Recipe. Most of these recipes call for very few ingredients also! Most of them take just a few minutes to prepare. Yet they are all made with real, healthy ingredients! Pick one to make soon. They are so good and easy! Here’s our Simple Meals Cookbook filled with recipes that are ridiculously easy to make.

6. Make mashed Potatoes in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot. I’d stopped making mashed potatoes because they felt too messy and hard. Then I learned how to make them in the Crock Pot. Then I learned to make them in my Instant Pot. Life-changing!!

7. Make Stir and Pour Bread. Have you been thinking about trying this but still haven’t taken the time (haha, this hardly takes any time!!)? Go get the recipe and make your family some bread! You will all be amazed at the goodness!

8. Read your Bible regularly. It’s easier and way more amazing than you think. Here’s how.

9. Make one simple, healthy change in your kitchen. It’s as easy as switching from margarine to butter. Truly, there are so many healthy changes that won’t rock your world one bit!

10. Make Coffee Ice Cubes. This is simply too much fun not to try! People are amazed when they find these in my freezer. What a fun way to enjoy iced coffee at home!

Which one of these ideas will you try first?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Heavenly Homemakers Vanilla Extract for SALE!!!!! (While Supplies Last!)

November 29, 2020 by Laura 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Exciting news!! We have a batch of our delicious Heavenly Homemakers Vanilla Extract bottled up and ready to ship out to you!

Our Heavenly Homemakers Vanilla Extract is perfect for:

Holiday Baking!!
Gift Giving!!

What is most exciting right now about us offering our vanilla for sale is that while vanilla extract at the store is pretty pricy right now, we can send you our completely pure (no sugar, not watered down!) vanilla at around the same price (or less!) than it can be found at the market. And with FREE SHIPPING too!!

BONUS – free High Five Recipes Cookbook!!!

When you buy 2 or more 8-ounce bottles of vanilla, or 3 or more bottles of 4-ounce bottles of vanilla, we’ll send you a FREE copy of our brand new High Five Recipes Cookbook! No coupon code necessary – the book will simply be included in your order. :)

Our quantities are very limited, so get this while you can!

Home / Shop

Heavenly Homemakers Homemade Vanilla Extract - 8 ounce

$32.00

Categories: Vanilla Extract

Manufacturer: Heavenly Homemakers

Description

Home / Shop

Heavenly Homemakers Homemade Vanilla Extract - 4 ounces

$20.00

Categories: Vanilla Extract

Manufacturer: Heavenly Homemakers

Description

How we make Vanilla Extract

Want a peek into how we make our Vanilla Extract? Here you go! We highly recommend that you try this at home. ;)

Want to make it quickly – even in time for Christmas? Here’s how to make Vanilla Extract in your Instant Pot!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Make Easy Christmas Potpourri Gifts

November 25, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Need an easy homemade gift that is unique and inexpensive? These Easy Christmas Potpourri pouches are fun and simple!

I began making these a few years ago and love how fun and easy they are. The combination of ingredients is perfect for the holidays, and you can make several at once which is very inexpensive and perfect for gifting teachers, neighbors, church members – whoever you want!

Easy Christmas Potpourri Gifts

Make Easy Christmas Potpourri Gifts

Save Print

Author: Laura

Ingredients

½ cup cranberries
1 small orange
3 Cinnamon Sticks (use the code “HOME” for a 15% discount!)
1 Tablespoon Mulling Spice (use the code “HOME” for a 15% discount!)
2 Tablespoons Star Anise

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a bag. (I use bags like these.)
Tie up with a ribbon and a gift tag, which can be downloaded and printed below.

Download FREE Christmas Potpourri Pouch Gift Tags Here.

Christmas Potpourri Gift Tags

I get most of my ingredients for these at Olive Nation (free shipping if you spend $50 or more; 15% off any size order when you use the code: home).

Other fun things to make with cinnamon sticks

If you’re going to take advantage of that 15% discount I mentioned and grab cinnamon sticks from Olive Nation (I buy them in large quantity this time of year!), here are some other great ways to use them:

Make Cinnamon Extract. Get the details and directions here.

Buy a fun holiday candle and glue cinnamon sticks onto the jar for a fun and festive look! Get the details and directions here.

Make Cinnamon Pancake and Waffle Syrup. Get the details and directions here.

Purchase a small plant and glue cinnamon sticks around the pot. The example shown below is one I made in the summertime. But for a holiday gift, purchase a small poinsettia or another wintery plant. Tie with a red ribbon and you have a lovely gift! Get the details and directions here.

Make Crockpot Cranberry Apple Cider. This is always a hit with guests and so very easy to make!

Need another homemade gift idea?

Try making Homemade Vanilla Extract. EVERYONE loves receiving this gift!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Vanilla Extract in the Instant Pot. Is it Good??

October 21, 2020 by Laura 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I’ve heard about making Vanilla Extract in the Instant Pot. But I had to wonder: Is it good? As good as the Homemade Vanilla Extract I usually brew for 6 months? I decided to give it a try!

Yum

I’ve been making my own vanilla extract since 2009. It’s super easy to make, but it does take 4-6 months to finish extracting so that we end up with good strong vanilla.

Recently I saw on the internet that you can make vanilla extract in the Instant Pot – in 40 minutes!!! Fun fact: 40 minutes is a lot less time to wait on homemade vanilla compared to waiting for 6 months. I figured it wouldn’t cost much to try it out and compare it to my super special 6-month homemade vanilla. So I gave it a try!

First, let’s look at how this works:

When I long-brew my vanilla extract, I cut my beans and put them into a big jar filled with vodka for 4-6 months. It’s as simple as can be and turns out THE MOST AMAZING vanilla extract!

The Instant Pot method for making vanilla extract takes fewer beans and way less time. I cut a total of 6 beans – first the long way, then in half so they fit into pint-sized jars.

I then fill the jars with vodka and put them on the trivet in my Instant Pot. Carefully set lids on the jars, but do not screw on tightly. Add water to the Instant Pot, seal, and set the timer to 40 minutes at high pressure.

Allow the vanilla extract to pressure cook for 40 minutes, then carefully quick release the pressure so that you can open your Instant Pot lid. The result?

Beautiful vanilla extract in just 40 minutes!!!

How to make Vanilla Extract in the Instant Pot

Vanilla Extract in the Instant Pot. Is it Good??

Save Print

Author: Laura

Serves: 32 ounces

Ingredients

6 vanilla beans (use the code HOME for a 15% discount!)
1 quart of vodka
2 pint jars with lids

Instructions

Cut vanilla beans along down the middle of the bean, then cut them in half and place them into 2 pint-sized jar. (3 beans per jar)
Pour vodka over the beans.
Place a trivet into your Instant Pot.
Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot.
Set the prepared jars of vodka/vanilla beans onto the trivet.
Loosely place the lids on the jars, not sealing tightly.
Lock on the Instant Pot lid and seal the pressure valve.
Cook on manual setting for 40 minutes at high pressure.
Quick release the pressure valve (watch out for the steam!)
Carefully remove the jar and allow the vanilla to cool.

How does it compare?

The old fashioned me wants to say, “Oh, the long brew method of making vanilla extract is so much better!!” But the truth is that I actually can’t tell much difference.

Therefore, the simple-cook me gets to say, “Hey, want to save A LOT of time and effort making vanilla extract? Try making it in your Instant Pot!!”

So in summary, we’ve got a win-win here! If you decide to stick with the regular, long brew method you’ll turn out wonderful vanilla extract! And if you have an Instant Pot and decide to make a fast batch, you will still turn out wonderful (tho not quite as strong) vanilla extract!

Make this for Christmas gifts!

If you do have an Instant Pot, you can order your beans and make a bunch of vanilla for gifts – it’s not too late!! People love receiving homemade vanilla as a gift – teachers, family members, neighbors, co-workers!

Where to buy vanilla beans:

I always buy my vanilla beans from Olive Nation. I’ve tried other sources to “save money” but instead ended up wasting money because the quality of the beans from cheap sources was terrible!

Olive Nation beans are so, so good. I’ve used their beans for years. They love working with us here at Heavenly Homemakers so they offer us 15% off when we use the coupon code: home. Plus we get free shipping on orders over $50!

Cost Breakdown to Make Vanilla in the Instant Pot:

I ordered the 25-bean package on this page and used the lovely discount code, home. This landed me 15% off plus free shipping, so total cost for 25 beans was $50.14. With these beans, I can make 4 quarts of vanilla!! (I’ve just made 1 quart so far.)

Cost for one quart of vanilla in my Instant Pot:

6 beans = 12.00
1 quart of vodka = $5.50
TOTAL = $17.50

With this, I can put together four 8-ounce bottles of vanilla for gifts!! This makes each 8-ounce bottle cost just $4.38! That is an incredible price!!

(Cost at the store for high-quality vanilla? Most of what I find has water added, and it’s still $8.97 for just TWO OUNCES. Homemade cost for two ounces is just $1.10!!!)

Extra resources:

Read this post to learn how to finish and strain your vanilla after 4-6 months if you choose to do the long-brew method.
You can purchase dark amber bottles here.
Order personalized vanilla stickers for bottles and gifts here.
Get your beans here, and use the code HOME to get 15% off!

I’m super excited about this option for making vanilla extract! Have you tried it before?!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Start Making Vanilla Extract for Christmas Gifts!

July 5, 2020 by Laura 14 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Now’s the time to start making Vanilla Extract for Christmas gifts!

Christmas in July is fun. :) Start a batch of homemade vanilla extract now and it will be ready just in time to bottle up and give as gifts this December!

Bottles of homemade vanilla are extremely awesome gifts! However, you need to start making it now because it takes 4-6 months for a big batch of vanilla to be strong and delicious.

How do you make vanilla extract?

It’s actually super easy, though the result will make you feel like you’ve made something gourmet! People love receiving this as a gift.

Find a thorough tutorial here to learn the specifics about making homemade vanilla. Or, if you’re feeling comfortable, simply follow this easy recipe:

How to Make Vanilla Extract

4.0 from 1 reviews

Start Making Vanilla Extract for Christmas Gifts!

Save Print

Author: Laura

Ingredients

1.75 liters of inexpensive vodka
25 Vanilla Beans enter code HOME for a 15% discount on Vanilla Beans through Olive Nation!!

Instructions

Slice through each bean lengthwise, leaving about one inch at the top of each bean uncut so that it stays together.
Place all of your cut Vanilla Beans into a half-gallon jar.
Fill the jar with vodka.
Secure the lid and put the jar in a dark place (like in the back of a cabinet).
Allow it to sit and "extract" for 4-6 months.
Every few weeks during extracting time, shake the jar to mix it up a bit.

Once your vanilla as finished extracting 4-6 months from now:

Here’s how to finish and bottle up your homemade vanilla!

Where to buy vanilla beans:

I always buy my vanilla beans from Olive Nation. I’ve tried other sources to “save money” but instead ended up wasting money because the quality of the beans from cheap sources was terrible!

To make 1/2 gallon of Homemade Vanilla Extract you need:

25 vanilla beans = $50 after coupon code HOME
Shipping = FREE on orders over $50
1.75 liter bottle of vodka = Approximately $11

Your total cost for 1/2 gallon of homemade vanilla extract will be about $61. This breaks down to $1.09/ounces which makes 4-ounces of vanilla cost $4.36

BONUS

You can save your beans after you make a batch of vanilla and reuse them to make a second batch!!

I put my used beans into a lesser amount of vodka to get more bang for my buck. So for instance, for the first round, I use 25 beans in 1.75 liters of vodka. Then for the second round, I use the same 25 beans soaked in half that amount of vodka (.88 liters). The result is still amazing and I just spent a few dollars for a quart of great vanilla extract!

Extra resources:

Read this post to learn how to finish and strain your vanilla after 4-6 months.
You can purchase dark amber bottles here.
Order personalized vanilla stickers for bottles and gifts here.
Get your beans here, and use the code HOME to get 15% off!

Go get your beans!

And yeah, go get your vodka. :) :) :)

Make yourself a delicious batch of vanilla extract and get ready for Christmas!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Can You Save Money Making Vanilla Again?!

May 20, 2020 by Laura 20 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to share this wonderful idea of making homemade vanilla! Is it possible that we can save money making vanilla again?

I did the math! I secured a discount! It’s possible! During this time when people are looking for ways to cut back and save money (and even make money) – I am so happy to share this idea again!

Laura’s Vanilla Bean and Homemade Vanilla Extract History

Way back in 2009, I discovered how wonderful it is to make homemade vanilla extract. The positives:

It is completely pure
It saved lots of money
It is beyond delicious
We could use half the amount of vanilla called for in recipes because this homemade vanilla is so strong, which results in even more money savings!

Many of you jumped on the Homemade Vanilla Extract train. It was so much fun!

Then a few years ago, there was a crop failure and the price of vanilla beans went through the roof. No longer was I able to share that we should all make vanilla. :( I kept waiting and waiting for the prices to finally go down. But year after year, the prices of vanilla beans have remained crazy high.

This, of course, has affected the price of pre-made vanilla extract at the store. I’ve watched those prices creep up through the years, too. Such a bummer!

But what if here in 2020 we can now make vanilla extract affordable again!!!

How to make homemade vanilla extract affordable

I have always purchased my vanilla beans online from Olive Nation. They consistently offer the best price for the highest quality. And because they like working with us here, they offer all Heavenly Homemakers readers a 15% off discount code (HOME)! Plus they offer free shipping on orders over $50!

I’ve checked their site for the past few years to see how the vanilla bean prices are doing. Ouch. They’ve been so high! And I’ve known that if they are high at Olive Nation, they are higher from other places. So I’ve waited.

This week I saw that one of their varieties of beans is LOWER again!!! (Plus they give us a 15% off discount when we use the code HOME at checkout.)

Of course, the price is higher than it was when I started making vanilla in 2009. But seeing as the price of almost everything is higher than it was in 2009, I can be okay with that. Especially since the price I found for beans today is finally making it a possibility for us all to make Homemade Vanilla Extract again!!

Take note: Your initial look at the current vanilla bean pricetag may shock you still. Vanilla beans aren’t cheap!! But that’s why I did a complete price breakdown for us so we can see that when it’s all said and done, our Homemade Vanilla Extract can be made for HALF of what we can purchase it for at the store!!

To make 1/2 gallon of Homemade Vanilla Extract you need:

25 vanilla beans = $54 after coupon code HOME
Shipping = FREE on orders over $50
1.75 liter bottle of vodka = Approximately $11

Total cost for 1/2 gallon of Homemade Vanilla Extract = Approximately $65

This breaks down to $1.02/ounces which makes 4-ounces of vanilla cost $4.08!

Compare this to the cost of lesser quality, but still good vanilla purchased elsewhere:

$15.77 for 4-ounces of Flavorganics brand at Azure Standard
$8.98 for 2-ounces of McCormick brand at Walmart (I couldn’t find a 4-ounce price to compare, but look at the huge savings compared to the 2-ounce price!)

BONUS

You can save your beans after you make a batch of vanilla and reuse them to make a second batch!!

How to Make Vanilla Extract

5.0 from 3 reviews

Can You Save Money Making Vanilla Again?!

Save Print

Author: Laura

Serves: 64 ounces

Ingredients

1.75 liters of inexpensive vodka
25 Vanilla Beans enter code HOME for a 15% discount on Vanilla Beans through Olive Nation!!

Instructions

Slice through each bean lengthwise, leaving about one inch at the top of each bean uncut so that it stays together.
Place all of your cut Vanilla Beans into a half-gallon jar.
Fill the jar with vodka.
Secure the lid and put the jar in a dark place (like in the back of a cabinet).
Allow it to sit and "extract" for 4-6 months.
Every few weeks during extracting time, shake the jar to mix it up a bit.

This vanilla extract is so strong that you can use 1/2 the amount called for in recipes to save yourself even more money. :)

Your Homemade Vanilla Extract is wonderful for your own use and to give as gifts!

Bonus Resources:

Read this post to learn how to finish and strain your vanilla after 4-6 months.
You can purchase dark amber bottles here.
Order personalized vanilla stickers for bottles and gifts here.
Get your beans here, and use the code HOME to get 15% off!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Win a Chocolate Baking Package from Olive Nation!

December 4, 2019 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Who wants to win Chocolate Baking Package from Olive Nation?

Chocolate Hint:

Do yourself a favor and order any of the Cocoa Powders, Chocolate Chips, or Chocolate Chunks from Olive Nation. (And use the code home to get 15% off!) I can’t tell you what a wonderful difference these cocoa powders and chocolate chips have made in my chocolate recipes. The quality is MUCH better, and they do not cost more than I was spending on the lesser varieties.

Why Olive Nation?

I’ve shopped at and worked as an affiliate with for Olive Nation for years and years. They never disappoint when it comes to quality and service.

This holiday season when they emailed me and offered to give you something special, I requested chocolate. You probably aren’t surprised!

I’ve baked with their cocoa powders and chocolate chips and wafers many times. They are all SO GOOD. The past few weeks in my kitchen have been extra chocolatey thanks to a big box of chocolate products they sent me to work with. In the next few days, watch for recipes for these goodies:

Here’s the package I’ve been working with and what you could win if you sign up for our giveaway below…

Win a Chocolate Baking Package from Olive Nation!

1 lb Premium Guittard Dark Chocolate Baking Wafers
1 lb Olive Nation Milk Chocolate Chunks
1 lb White Chocolate Chips by Barry Callebaut
1 lb Natural Cocoa Powder by Blommer
1 lb Teton Cocoa Powder by Blommer

Nothing like receiving 5 pounds of chocolate for Christmas baking!!

Whenever you shop at Olive Nation, always use the coupon code “home” to get 20% off. They are SO GOOD TO US there!!

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win this great Chocolate Baking Package! I’ll draw a random winner on December 11. Happy baking!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Easy Chocolate Banana Bread

February 14, 2019 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Two recipes ago, we shared something chocolate. One recipe ago, we shared about bananas. Today, we combine these two delights into a Chocolate Banana Bread!

There are a few secrets to making this Chocolate Banana Bread turn out fabulously. First, be sure to add sour cream or yogurt to the recipe. I’ve been doing this for years with my muffins, but for some reason, it took me a while to realize I should add this ingredient to my Banana Breads. One of my brilliant sisters-in-law reminded me of this need, which is a game changer for Banana Bread for all time! Add sour cream or yogurt = No more dry Banana Bread!

Next, I have learned that not all chocolate is created equal. Sure, you can use any ol’ unsweetened cocoa powder. But do yourself a favor and order any of the Unsweetened Cocoa Powders from Olive Nation. (And use the code home to get 20% off!) I can’t tell you what a wonderful difference these cocoa powders have made in my chocolate recipes. The quality is MUCH better, and they do not cost more than I was spending on the lesser varieties. Rock on!

Now go grab your blackened bananas and your cocoa powder and make yourself this delightful bread!

Easy Chocolate Banana Bread

Save Print

Author: Laura

Serves: 1 loaf

Ingredients

1½ cups whole wheat flour (I use freshly ground soft white wheat)
⅓ cup sugar, brown sugar, or sucanat
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup mashed over-ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
⅓ cup melted coconut oil or butter
2 eggs

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add mashed bananas, oil, sour cream and eggs.
Stir until ingredients are well combined.
Pour mixture into a buttered bread pan.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Some of these links are my affiliate links.

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!