Helpful Advice for Home Cooks + Ingredient Substitutions

Tips for Home Cooks

Being a home cook can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some tips to help you improve your cooking skills:

1. Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Before you start cooking, make sure to read the recipe all the way through to avoid any surprises.
2. Prep Ingredients in Advance: Mise en place (prepping ingredients) can save you time and ensure a smoother cooking process.
3. Season Along the Way: Don't wait until the end to season your dish. Season in layers to build flavor.
4. Invest in Quality Tools: Good knives, pots, and pans can make a big difference in your cooking experience.
5. Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to try new recipes or tweak existing ones to suit your taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Running out of an ingredient can be frustrating, but knowing some common substitutions can save your dish. Here are a few handy ingredient swaps:

• Buttermilk Substitute: Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Egg Substitute: For baking, you can use 1 mashed banana or 1/4 cup of applesauce in place of an egg.
• Tomato Sauce Substitute: Combine 1 part tomato paste with 1 part water for a quick tomato sauce alternative.
• Butter Substitute: In baking, you can use equal parts of coconut oil or applesauce instead of butter.
• Vegetable Stock Substitute: Replace vegetable stock with water and soy sauce or miso paste for added flavor.

Remember, while substitutions can work in a pinch, they may slightly alter the taste or texture of your dish. Feel free to get creative and tailor the substitutions to your liking.

Happy Cooking!