Useful Advice for Home Cooks + Ingredient Substitutions

Tips for Home Cooks:

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, these tips can help elevate your culinary skills:

• Invest in good quality kitchen tools and equipment.
• Read recipes thoroughly before starting to avoid mistakes.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance flavors.
• Practice proper knife skills for efficiency and safety.
• Learn basic cooking techniques like sautéing, roasting, and braising.
• Don't be afraid to try new recipes and cuisines.
• Taste as you cook and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Clean as you go to maintain an organized kitchen.
• Have fun and enjoy the process of cooking!

Ingredient Substitutions:

Running out of a specific ingredient? Here are some common ingredient substitutions that can save your dish:

• Eggs: 1 egg can be replaced with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
• Buttermilk: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
• Tomato Sauce: For 1 cup of tomato sauce, use 1/2 cup of tomato paste mixed with 1/2 cup of water.
• Butter: Replace butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or margarine in baking recipes.
• Garlic: Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic in a recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of butter as a substitute for 1 cup of heavy cream.
• Breadcrumbs: Crushed crackers or oats can be used in place of breadcrumbs for coating or binding.

Remember, while these substitutions can work in a pinch, they may slightly alter the taste or texture of your dish, so use them judiciously.

By following these tips and being aware of ingredient substitutions, you can enhance your cooking skills and adapt to any situation in the kitchen. Happy cooking!