Substitutions
Nothing worse than having a group of people on their way for a nice party and running out of a critical element of a recipe so here is a list of substitutions I have compiled over the years. I have used many of them in recipes when I have been in a pinch. Just be aware that some of these substitutions will change the flavor of your dish but at least you will be able to move forward without running out to the store and still be on time for the arrival of your guests!
Allspice – ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon plus ½ teaspoon ground cloves (per teaspoon)
Baking Powder – ¼ unit baking soda plus ½ unit cream of tarter
Baking Mix – 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon vegetable shorting
Brown Sugar – 1 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons molasses or dark corn syrup
Buttermilk – 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar plus one cup of milk. Let stand a few minutes before adding to receipe
Condensed Milk – 1-1/4 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup evaporated milk (per cup)
Corn Syrup – Equal amount of honey
Cornstarch – Double amount of all purpose flour or 4 teaspoons quick cooking tapioca
Cream – Heavy – Not for whipping – ¾ cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter (per cup)
Evaporated Milk – 1-2/3 cup milk simmered slowly until reduced to 1 cup
Herbs Fresh – ¾ to 1 teaspoon dried per tablespoon fresh
Herbs Dry – 1 to 1-1/4 tablespoon fresh per teaspoon of dry
Honey – 1-1/4 unit of sugar plus ¼ unit apple juice or water
Lemon Juice – Equal amount of white vinegar
Maple Syrup – 1 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup water, plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Molasses – Equal amount honey or dark corn syrup
Oil – For baking – Equal amount of unsweetened applesauce
Poultry Seasoning – ¼ teaspoon Thyme plus ¾ teaspoon sage
Pumpkin Pie Spice – ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon allspice and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Sour Cream – Equal amount of cottage cheese, blended smooth
Tomato Juice – Equal amounts of tomato sauce and water blended to make the amount needed for recipe
Tomato Paste – Tomato sauce doubled for what recipe calls for and simmered until reduced by half
Vanilla Bean – 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract per bean – Watch the rest of the liquids in your recipe because this is adding to the liquid