Tuesday, September 1, 2015

What can I substitute for...?

You see this recipe that you want to try. If you're like me, you pull out the first few ingredients in the directions and get crack-a-lackin'. Chopping, mixing, stirring,.... Then you open the refrigerator or cabinet for the next step, and WHOOPS!!!! You're out of (fill in the blank)!

Has this ever happened to you? You would think that since I've been cooking for over 30 years, I'd check first. But no, you'd be sadly mistaken if that common sense was assumed about me. I find myself constantly checking Google or Pinterest for ingredient substitutes. AND NOW, very sadly, that bad habit is rubbing off on my children.

So I decided to make a list that goes on the refrigerator next to the measurement magnet (for when the measuring cup or tablespoon is dirty) of ingredient substitutes. Maybe I will make this a magnet as well? *thinking, thinking

Baking Substitutes

allspice (1 tsp) cinnamon (1/2 tsp) + ginger (1/4 tsp) + cloves (1/4 tsp)
baking powder (1 tsp) baking soda (1/4 tsp) + cream of tartar (1/2 tsp) OR
baking soda (1/4  tsp) + white vinegar (1 tsp)
broth- beef or chicken (1 cup) 1 bouillon cube + boiling water (1 cup)
broth- vegetable (1 cup)  soy sauce (1 TBSP) + enough water to make 1 cup 
cream- half & half (1 cup) milk (7/8 cup) + butter (1 Tbsp)
cream- heavy (1 cup) evap milk (1 cup)
milk (3/4 cup) + butter (1/3 cup)
cream- light (1 cup) evap milk (1 cup) OR
milk (3/4 cup) + butter (3 Tbsp)
cream- whipped (1 cup) frozen whipped topping thawed (1 cup)
cream of tarter (1 tsp) lemon juice or vinegar (2 tsp)
egg applesauce (1/4 cup) + baking powder (1/2 tsp) OR
baking soda (1 tsp) + white vinegar (1 Tbsp) OR
banana (mashed ripe) + baking powder (1/4 tsp)
evap milk (1 cup) light cream (1 cup)
herbs- fresh chopped (1 Tbsp) dried herbs (1 tsp chopped or whole leaf)
lemon zest (1 Tbsp) lemon extract (1/2 tsp) OR
lemon juice (2 TBsp)
mayo (1 cup) sour cream or plain yogurt (1 cup)
oil applesauce (equal measure)
orange zest (1 Tbsp) orange extract (1/2 tsp)
rum (1 Tbsp) rum extract (1/2 tsp)
shortening butter (equal measure)
sugar- brown, 1 cup 3/4 cup honey (reduce liquid by 1/4 cup) OR
white sugar (1 cup) + molasses (1/4 cup) & decrease liquid by 1/4 cup 
sugar- granulated, 1 cup 2/3 cup honey (reduce liquid by 1/4 cup)


Gluten Free Substitutes 
(I sometimes do catering and there are those with gluten allergies. Hence, this chart.)

bread crumbs crushed flax
gluten free oats
croutons nuts (in a salad)
flour almond meal OR
brown rice flour OR
corn meal OR
so many more
pasta spaghetti squash OR
rice noodles OR
zucchini or eggplant cut into strips
roux (flour & oil) cornstarch & water OR 
Idaho potato
soy sauce tamari


For the record, there are soooooooo many more substitutes to be had. But these are the common few that my family usually needs. Are there any ingredients that you find yourself constantly substituting?

In the near future, I will be providing an alcohol substitution list as well.

I hope this was helpful. For the printable version of these, click here!


Until next time,
Cherise, the Mompreneur


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