Substitutions - What to do when you run out of something?

One of the most annoying things is to discover as you're halfway through a recipe (or even just beginning to get all the ingredients together) that you're missing a critical ingredient - like buttermilk for instance. Well this post will list a few examples and with your help, I will keep it updated so that whatever you need you can find right here. Just place a comment with an idea or something you need a substitute for and I'll do the rest.

To start the ball rolling....

Instead of Baking Powder --- 1 tsp baking powder = 1/2 tsp cream of tartar + 1/4 tsp baking soda.

Instead of bread crumbs --- crush some crackers - use a food processor or blender. If you don't have either, put them in a zip lock baggie and use a rolling pin or side of a large tin to crush the crackers.

Instead of brown sugar --- 1 cup of brown sugar = 1 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp molasses

Instead of buttermilk --- add 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar (I prefer lemon juice) to 1 cup of milk. Let it thicken for 5 minutes. Or use yoghurt thinned with milk.

Instead of chives --- use finely chopped green onions/scallions (just the green part)

Instead of unsweetened melted chocolate --- for 1 ounce of chocolate, use 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 tbsp salad oil, or unsalted butter or margarine.

Instead of cornstarch for thickening ---1 tbsp cornstarch = 2 tbsp all purpose flour or 2 tbsp quick cooking tapioca

Instead of dried beans --- 1 cup, soaked overnight and cooked yield 2-3 cups of cooked beans, use 1 19 oz/540ml can beans, drained. They are already cooked.

Instead of fresh herbs --- 1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried herbs

Please email me any of your questions, and if I don't have the answer, I'll certainly try find it for you.

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