Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

OK, great recipe. Just a few changes from my stove:

1) Use Sadaf lentils, they are larger and more effective in soups than the typical grocery kind. IMO they are cheap, approx $1 per pound. BTW, I am not connected to this company.
2) Skip the carrots. Use a red pepper instead.
3) Add garlic.
4) No salt, add cumin.

The sad thing is Breyers used to be a quality product, using minimal, natural ingredients. Have you looked at the label recently? I think Unilever bought them and the product went DOWN HILL. It used to be good. I have to agree, the Dazs is the top dog. when it comes to ingredients, KISS: keep it simple stupid

I grew up on Blue Bell, and in DC you can get it every Father's Day at the Texas State Society Father's Day picnic. However, I actually prefer (I know, it's a sin) all natural products like Breyers. I don't like things so sweet anymore, and prefer airy or smooth textures.

However, the best vanilla ice cream I've ever had was the house-made stuff at Jaxson's in Dania Beach, FL. Holy crap that was excellent. Made me want to order vanilla every time, when I rarely do.

I have to admit, Haagen-Dasz has ALWAYS had that "smooth Vanilla silky taste". Cool and inviting, and I've never been disappointed. But a ZILLION CALORIES TOO ! Still..........when you want to treat yourself ..........nothing quite like it.

I like Breyer's French vanilla. It's a little creamier than the natural vanilla. I love that they don't put corn syrup in it.

I am another Silver Moon fan! I agree with the above comments about the Silver Moon Bourbon Vanilla. When you take the first bite, close your eyes, savor and let the Bourbon Vanilla enliven your tastebuds .... oh my, on my... such pleasure! The richness and intenseness but gentle flavor is just the most lovely experience you could ever ask for in a vanilla ice cream! Too bad this ice cream was not one of the 5 listed. Hands down it would be the winner! It is a San Francisco/Silcon Valley company and I purchased mine from Gene's Market in Saratoga, CA. You can go to the website to find other locations: www.silvermoondesserts.com Yum, Yum!

A good question, but the best player wasn't listed in their survey. By far the best vanilla ice cream I ever tasted is Bourbon Vanilla Bean from Silver Moon Desserts in San Francisco. Most of the ice creams listed pale in comparison.

I have to say that Blue Bell is the best. I live in the little town of Brenham and have worked at the little creamery during the summer. I can say for a fact that it is made with loving care, and when you work there you do get to eat all you can and sell the rest.

I don't know if it's a regional thing, but Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla is the closest I've tasted to the homemade icecream I remember as a kid. Not all natural but it's the gallon I pick ever time.

@brigittesm: that is exactly how I feel about the matter!

I really never checked any of the other brands' ingredients mentioned except Breyers. But we use Breyers, (if I'm not making my own) because it has no preservatives mentioned in the ingredients. My family trait is migraines from preservatives, and we usually try an avoid them.

Trader Joe's Vanilla is one of the best I've had=)