No, no, no! Never use imitation vanilla!

Really. Even if you can't taste the difference, people with normal amounts of taste buds and supertasters will.

Seriously, real vanilla extract may seem expensive, but you use very little at a time and a bottle will last you a long time. It's a seasoning, and like all your spices and herbs should be the best quality you can find.

Don't get me started on pre-ground nutmeg...