Nov

Ever get into cooking a recipe, only to discover that you’re missing an ingredient? (I think we’ve all been there.) A good substitution can really save the day and your mood. Here are 10 easy “fill ins” to help out when you’re in a pinch:

Buttermilk – To replace 1 cup (250 mL) buttermilk, pour 1 tbsp (15 mL) vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice into a measuring cup. Then, fill with milk until it reaches 1 cup (250 mL). Stir until evenly mixed.

Chocolate – Instead of 1 oz (28 g) semisweet chocolate , use 1 oz (28 g) bittersweet or use 1 oz (28 g) unsweetened chocolate and 4 tsp (20 mL) granulated sugar.

Coconut milk – For every 1 cup (250 mL) coconut milk, use 1 cup (250 mL) table or whipping cream and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) coconut extract

Jalapeno – Use 1 tsp (5 mL) chili flakes or 1/4 tsp (1 mL) cayenne pepper for every jalapeno pepper.

Hot chili garlic sauce – Use 1 tsp (5 mL) chili flakes and 1 minced clove of garlic for every 2 tsp (10 mL) of chili garlic sauce.

Lemongrass – For every 2 lemon grass stalks , use 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely grated lemon peel and 1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated fresh ginger.

Pancetta – Replace pancetta by using an equal amount of bacon or proscuitto. Just make sure to cook your bacon first.

Self-rising flour – Instead of 1 cup (250 mL) self-rising flour, measure out 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour just before using. Then, remove and discard 2 tsp (10 mL) from flour. Place remaining flour in a medium bowl. Add 11/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt. Using a fork, stir until evenly mixed.

Wine – When cooking you can often replace 1 cup (250 mL) red wine with 1 cup (250 mL) chicken or beef broth. To add a little red wine flavour, add 1 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar. Or for white wine, use 1 cup (250 mL) apple juice and stir in 2 tsp (10 mL) white wine vinegar.

Chinese 5-spice – Make your own 5-spice mix by stirring 1 tsp (5 mL) fennel seeds with 1 tsp (5 mL) ground ginger, 3/4 tsp (4 mL) ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cloves.

Let me know if you’re ever looking for other food substitutions. My list could go on and on. Or I’d love to hear if you have any great food substitutions too.

In the Kitchen