Easy Substitutions

  • If you only need 1 cup of buttermilk and don't want to buy a whole carton, pour 1 Tbls. distilled or white vinegar into a measuring cup, then add enough milk to make 1 cup. Let stand 5 minutes before using.
  • If you're out of milk for a recipe and in a pinch, substitute 1/2 cup whole evaporated milk mixed with 1/2 cup water.
  • If a recipe calls for 1 cup whole milk and all you have is skim milk, combine 1 cup skim milk with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  • If you're out of half-and-half, use 1 cup whole milk and 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter for every cup of half-and-half called for (this substitution is not suitable for using in coffee).
  • Use an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half in place of evaporated milk.
  • Don’t want to use butter because of extra or bad fat and calories? You can substitute margarine in equal amounts, but use a better quality brand with less saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose a blend with the least amount of saturated fat and zero trans fats. Check the ingredients, if it says partially hydrogenated oils, it still has some trans-fat. Use both in moderation; for some recipes you don’t want to sacrifice flavor, so use butter.
  • Short on an egg for a baking recipe? Substitute 3 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon water for a whole large egg.
  • 1 whole egg equals 1 egg white plus 2 t. vegetable oil OR 1 Tbls. ground flaxseed plus 3 Tablespoons water | 2 whole eggs equal 3 egg whites | 1 large egg equals 2 egg whites or ¼ c. egg substitute.
  • One cup of sour cream or buttermilk may be used in place of one cup plain yogurt.
  • When a recipe calls for Swiss cheese, any of the following may be used: Emmenthal, Gruyere, Swiss, or French Comte.
  • When a recipe calls for Cheddar cheese, any of the following may be used: Colby, Monterey Jack or American.
  • When a recipe calls for Parmesan cheese, any of the following may be used: Pecorino Romano, Asiago or Spanish Manchego.
  • When a recipe calls for Feta cheese, any of the following may be used: Italian ricotta salata, Mexican cotija or a crumbly blue cheese (blue cheese will make the flavor somewhat more pungent).
  • When a recipe calls for Muenster cheese, any of the following may be used: Monterey Jack, Havarti, farmer cheese or Provolone.
  • Substitute sour cream with an equal amount of plain yogurt to cut down on calories and fat.
  • Mascarpone is a mild, creamy cheese used to make tiramisu. If you can't find or don't have it, blend together 1/2 cup softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream for every cup of mascarpone called for.
  • To make 1 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar, process1 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a food processor until sugar is fine.