there are some specialty ingredients and kitchen tools i love and use a lot in my kitchen. i used to live in a small town and wasn’t always able to find certain specialty items at my local grocery store. so here are some of my favorites and where i like to get them in case you’re in the same boat. you can find all of these things at amazon.com, but below i’ve listed the smaller places i like to buy from..

vanilla beans
great for this recipe: make your own vanilla extract
find them here: beanilla

vanilla bean sugar
great for this recipe: brown butter vanilla salted rice krispy treats
find it here: beanilla

instant espresso powder
great for this recipe: my house chocolate chip cookies
find it here: king arthur flour baking shop | sur la table

chocolate covered espresso beans
great for this recipe: double chocolate & espresso cookies
find it here: dean & deluca | trader joe’s – in store

cinnamon extract
great for this recipe: cinnamon coffee cake
find it here: super easy to make your own with this post | beanilla

champagne vinegar
great for this recipe: pear and blue cheese salad with champagne vinaigrette
find it here: sur la table | kitchen & company

pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
great for this recipe: central market’s kale, pepita, and cranberry salad
find them here: thrive market

biscoff spread 
great for this recipe: oatmeal biscoff cookies with vanilla-soaked raisins
find it here: biscoff website