Do you ever want to make something and you are missing just one ingredient? I do this sometimes and try to think if I can leave it out or make a substitution. I prefer to substitute so that I’m not missing out on a texture or flavor, or when baking so the science of it all stays correct. Online I can look up substitutions as I need them – but have to take the time to do it and find the correct answer. Some of my cookbooks have lists of substitutions – but I have to remember which ones and pull them out and it may not even the list the item in question. There are a few substitutions I just remember now – but that list isn’t very complete in my head at all.
The other day I received a sample copy of the new book “Substituting Ingredients: The A to Z Kitchen Reference” and it is fabulous. This little book has tons of substitutions and information to use in everyday cooking. Not only that but it is in an easy-to-read and easy-to-use format. I have already found a home for this right in my spice cabinet (it has much more than just spices, but that spot just works for me). This book will help whenever you are out of one thing and need to substitute something else or even if you just don’t want to spend the money on an expensive ingredient on a new recipe. The book also gives some common item weight equivalents which I think are awesome!
Examples:
- Sweet paprika – you can use turmeric with a dash of red pepper
- Ground cloves – you can use allspice, nutmeg, or mace
- 1 pound potatoes – that is about 3 medium potentates, 3 cups sliced, 2 ¼ cups cooked or 1 ¾ mashed
- Crayfish – try shrimp, lobster, langoustine, prawns, etc.
- Crème Fraiche (which my store doesn’t carry) – 1 cup heavy cream plus ½ cup buttermilk/sour cream/sour milk/yogurt (the directions are in the book)
At the back of the book there are a few measurement charts, temperature charts, baking pan sizes, etc. as well. There is even a small section on household recipes for things like cleaning. All in all a huge amount of information in this book and well worth the $10 price (US). This would be a great extra to buy yourself, someone just starting their own home, or a great gift for the “chef” in your circle of friends and family.
The Giveaway: Two winners will each receive a copy of “Substituting Ingredients”
Required Entry: Tell me what ingredient you seem to always run out of (or otherwise need a substitution for) when you (or someone in your family) cooks. Winners notified by mail only, so make sure I have a way of accessing your email address when you comment.
Extra Entries: The following are all extra things you can do for more entries. Leave an additional comment for each thing you do to earn extra entries.
- Subscribe via email to my feed and then leave a comment letting me know you have done so. If you are already a subscriber, let me know that in the comment instead.
- Follow @RobynsWorld on Twitter and send a tweet about the giveaway. You can do this one time per day. Leave a direct link to your tweet (instructions here) in your comment for an extra entry for each tweet. Here is a tweet you can use (or make your own):
Win Substituting Ingredients and never worry about not having certain ingredients on hand from @RobynsWorld http://bit.ly/b38M1b - Share my giveaway on your own blog and tell me where (share the direct link)
Rules: Only one of each entry method listed per person/family/household. No entering on behalf of others, using extra identities or others identities, no automated program entries, etc. If I catch you cheating you will be banned from this and all of my future giveaways! This giveaway is only open to those in the USA, ages 18+. All entries must be received by 11:59 pm Central Time on Thursday, June 24, 2010. I will pick a winner and email them and they have 48 hours to claim the prize. If no response, I will pick a new winner. Good luck!
have been provided additional copies for the giveaway.
Transparency is everything!
