Food Substitutions

It is always best to use the exact ingredients called for in a recipe. But if you are ever in the middle of cooking a recipe and find that you do not have an ingredient called for in the recipe, check this list for possible substitutions instead of giving up.

If you don't have...1 cup cake flour;
You can substitute...1 cup minus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

If you don't have...1 tablespoon cornstarch;
You can substitute...2 tablespoons all-purpose flour OR 2 teaspoons
arrowroot OR 4 teaspoons tapioca

If you don't have...1 cup whole milk; You can substitute...1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water OR 3/4
cup non-fat milk plus 1/3 cup butter or margarine OR 1 cup
reconstituted non-fat dry milk plus 2 teaspoons butter or margarine
 

If you don't have...1 cup sour milk or buttermilk;
You can substitute...1 cup whole milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon
juice (let stand 5 minutes.)

If you don't have...1 cup half-and-half;
You can substitute...17/8 cup milk plus 3 tablespoons butter
If you don't have...1 egg;
You can substitute...2 egg yolks plus 1 tablespoons water OR 1/4 cup egg
substitute

If you don't have...1 ounce unsweetened chocolate;
You can substitute...3 tablespoons cocoa plus 1 tablespoon butter
If you don't have...1 clove garlic;
You can substitute...1/8 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1 teaspoon garlic salt
(reduce salt in recipe by 1/2 teaspoon) OR 1 teaspoon dried minced
garlic

If you don't have...1 tablespoon fresh ginger;
You can substitute...1 teaspoon powdered ginger
If you don't have...1 teaspoon dry mustard;
You can substitute...1 tablespoon prepared mustard

If you don't have...1 small fresh onion;
You can substitute...1 tablespoon instant minced onion

If you don't have...1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms;
You can substitute...6 oz. drained, canned mushrooms

If you don't have...1 teaspoon lemon juice;
You can substitute...1/2 tsp. vinegar
If you don't have...1 cup tomato juice;
You can substitute...1/2 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup water

If you don't have...1 cup catsup or chili sauce;
You can substitute...1 cup tomato sauce plus 1/4 cup sugar and 2
tablespoons vinegar (for use in cooked dishes).