Ever run out of an ingredient right in the middle the recipe? Or find out you need something when the store is closed? Okay, probably not, since I know my readers are far more sensible than I am, and actually plan ahead. Hey, I’m getting better at that, but I sometimes get carried away and absolutely MUST start something before checking that I have everything I need on hand.
There is no substitution for planning and preparation, but if you find yourself short of something, here are some “emergency” substitutions that may help you out.
| Instead of | Can use instead (may affect outcome of product) |
| Baking powder (1 t) | ¼ t baking soda + ½ t cream of tartar |
| Brown sugar – light (1 C) | 1 C granulated (white) sugar + 1½ T molasses |
| Brown sugar – dark (1 C) | 1 C granulated (white) sugar + 4 T (¼ C) molasses, or 1 C light brown sugar + 1 T molasses |
| Corn starch (1½ t) | 1 T all-purpose flour |
| Eggs (1 whole) | 2 egg yolks + 2 T water (for cookies), or 2 egg yolks (for custards, etc.) |
| Flour, self-rising (1 C) | 1 C all-purpose flour + 1½ t baking powder + ½ t salt |
| Flour, self-rising (6¼ C) | 6 C all-purpose flour + 3 T baking powder + 1 T salt |
| Flour, cake ( 1C) | 1 C all-purpose flour minus 2 T |
| Garlic (1 medium clove) | 1/8 t garlic powder, or ¼ t dried minced garlic |
| Herbs, fresh (1 T) | ¾ to 1 t dried herbs |
| Honey, (1 C) | 1¼ C sugar + ¼ C liquid |
| Milk, whole (1 C) | ½ C evaporated milk + ½ C water, or 1 C reconstituted nonfat dry milk + 2 t butter/marg. |
| Milk, buttermilk/sour (1 C) | 1 T lemon juice or white vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup; let stand a few minutes, or 1 C plain yogurt |
| Onion (1/3 C chopped) | 1 t onion powder |
| Onion (1 C chopped) | 3 t onion powder |
| Sour cream (1 C) | 1 C plain yogurt, or 1 C Greek yogurt |
One thought on “Quick Tip: Ingredient Substitutions”