Can’t Find It? Just Substitute!

How many times, when you are excited to make something, do you go to the larder and find that you do not have one of the main ingredients?  Here is a list of a few things that you can substitute out that you might find helpful for the next time that happens.

1.  ARROWROOT.  If your recipe calls for arrowroot and you do not have any, use 2 tablespoons of flour for every 4 teaspoons of arrowroot

2.  BAKING POWDER.  For every 1 teaspoon of double-acting baking powder, use 5/8 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda OR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/4 cup sour milk or buttermilk (lessen other liquid in recipe if you chose this substitute)

3.  BAY LEAF.  Use thyme in place of a bay leaf

4.  CAPERS.  Chopped green olives will do the trick

5.  CLOVES (GROUND).  Use allspice, OR nutmeg, OR mace

6.  CLUB SODA.  Use sparkling mineral water or seltzer

7.  POLENTA.  Cornmeal will work just as well

8.  CORNSTARCH.  Flour, as thickener

9.  EGG – one.  Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch plus 3 tablespoons water OR 3 tablespoons mayonnaise OR 1/2 mashed banana plus 1/4 teaspoon baking powder.

10.  EVAPORATED MILK.  Use half-and-half or cream  to reach a good result

Simply adding to the joy of cooking!