Every time I go to cook I’m guaranteed to be missing something – I ran out of sugar, I don’t have enough cream, I forgot to buy buttermilk… so I’ve become gifted at making substitutes for some of my standard “missing items.”
Now I’m sure the real thing is best… but here are some tips for when you’re in a pickle (or all out of them):
- Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons molasses
- Buttermilk: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup
- Corn Syrup: 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup honey
- Half & Half: 1 Tablespoon melted butter plus enough milk to make 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 3/4 cup milk plus 1/3 cup butter
Now baking is tough because as they say it’s “a science not an art,” but for the most part you can substitute these healthy options in most recipes:
- Applesauce: in place of butter, oil or sugar
- Avocado: in place of butter (while I do cook with everything on this list, I must admit this is one I haven’t tried yet… but am going to! I want to try this recipe asap)
- Greek Yogurt: in place of sour cream or mayo (I make aioli with it, put it on baked potatoes, pretty much use it for everything)
- Rolled Oats: in place of bread crumbs (just whirl in your blender to create a fine powder and use on breaded chicken, etc.)
What substitutions do I need to add to my list?!