Yay for Agave!
Vanilla Agave Nectar
I have to give Whitney kudos for the fact that agave nectar is even on my radar. We were living together in NYC when she discovered this syrup – made here in Mexico from the same plants as tequila – and began to use it as a delicious sweetener. Agave nectar is similar to honey, but less viscous, and has a lower glycemic index than many other sweeteners. Because it is plant-based and often processed at low temperatures it is also raw foodist and vegan-friendly. I liked agave nectar when I tried it, but never got particularly enthusiastic about it. That is until recently, when I found VANILLA agave nectar in my local organic foods store in Mexico City. Natural vanilla is one of my favorite flavors/ingredients, so when I saw whole vanilla beans soaking in agave nectar, I was sold immediately. And OH MY GATOS, it is heavenly. Following Whitney’s lead, I mix it into oatmeal in the morning with some cinnamon and apple, or drizzle it on fresh baked banana bread, and I think it will be divine on french toast or pancakes and mixed into tea. In the US you can buy regular agave nectar at organic and specialty food stores, though I’m not sure about the vanilla variety.
I love the bottle that you gifted me! It IS fantastic in tea (earl grey or licorice mint) and I really want to try it with some nutmeg and cinnamon on baked apples and in some baking. A little goes a long way!
Also, check out Bittman article on the market in La Condesa. He says on good days it’s like a good Parisian market.
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