TigerChef

It happens to all of us at one point or another. You are in the midst of cooking or baking when you realize that you are out of an ingredient. Or, perhaps you or a family member has some kind of allergy or intolerance, or maybe you’re just looking to live a healthier life-style. Whatever it may be, here is a short list of the most common ingredient substitutes.

Please note that food made with substituted ingredients may vary slightly in both taste and texture.

       All purpose flour:  Either use 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour or, substitute 1 tablespoon cornstarch for 2 tablespoons of flour.

       Cake flour: To substitute 1 cup of cake flour, use 1 cup less 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.

       Baking powder: For 1 teaspoon baking powder, use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar or ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ cup sour milk, buttermilk or molasses; reduce other liquid by ½ cup.

       Butter: For 1 cup butter, use 7/8 cup of solid shortening plus ½ teaspoon salt.

       Fresh milk: To substitute 1 cup of fresh milk, use ½ cup each of evaporated milk and water. For 1 cup of whole milk, prepare 1 liquid cup of nonfat dry milk and 2 ½ teaspoons butter or margarine.

       Heavy cream: Substitute 1 cup of heavy cream with 2/3 cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter.

       Sugar: For 1 cup of sugar either use 1 cup of honey and reduce other liquid by ¼ cup or use 1 cup of brown sugar, although it will result in a slight molasses flavor.

       Vanilla extract: Use grated lemon or orange rind for flavoring instead or, try a little cinnamon or nutmeg.

       Buttermilk: Use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and enough fresh milk to make 1 cup. Let it stand for 5 minutes before using.

       Ketchup: Use a cup of tomato sauce added to 1 ¼ cups of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of ground cloves and allspice.

       Unsweetened chocolate: 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon butter, margarine or vegetable shortening to substitute for 1 square unsweetened chocolate.

       Eggs: Substitute 1 egg with 2 tablespoons dried whole egg and 2 tablespoon water. Otherwise, you can add 3 or 4 extra tablespoons of whatever liquid is called for in the recipe.

       Honey: To substitute 1 cup of honey, use 1 ¼ cups of sugar and ¼ cup of water or other liquid called for in the recipe.

       Fresh herbs and spices: Use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs or spices. Dried herbs are more concentrated.

Filed under: Holiday Guides • Recipes • How-To • General

Tags: substitutes