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 |
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