You'll get the most intense flavor from vanilla bean but they can be pretty expensive. Vanilla bean paste is made from the inside of vanilla beans so you'll still get the little flecks. It's a great substitute for the more expensive vanilla bean. Vanilla extract is made by soaking the vanilla beans in alcohol and while it adds vanilla flavor to dishes, the flavor is not as intense as vanilla beans or the paste. It will also not give you the little black flecks. The Ratio: 1 Vanilla Bean = 2 to 3 tsp Vanilla Paste OR 1 Tbl Vanilla extract.