Shortening is any solid or semi-solid fat, such as lard and margarine. Today, people think of hydrogenated oils such as Crisco as shortening. Like lard, vegetable-based shortening has a scoopable texture and a high smoke point. It’s safe for frying without spatters or popping because of its low water content. Shortening is 100% fat. It […]
Food Substitutes
Shrimp Paste Substitute
Sauces and pastes are an important part of cooking. Whether you are stir-frying or making curry paste, sauces are commonly used in Asian recipes. While most people enjoy having these condiments in their food people with vegetarian or vegan food preferences may find it less appetizing. With the advent of cross-cultural relationships across the world, […]
Substitution for Orange Juice in Cooking and Baking – A Guide
A recipe that you’re cooking calls for orange juice, but you don’t have any at hand. Or you’re allergic to oranges, or to citrus in general. So what can you use instead of orange juice? It’s going to depend on the role orange juice plays in your recipe. A recipe that needs acidity so as […]
Substitute for Cornstarch
Cornstarch has so many uses in the kitchen and can seem like an essential ingredient to get the thickness or special texture you want in a dish or to stabilize foods in some of your favorite recipes. But is it healthy? The truth about cornstarch may make you want to find alternatives. Cornstarch is like […]
How to Make a Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar
Balsamic vinegar imparts a special flavor in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. But what to do if a recipe calls for balsamic vinegar and you are all out? Or perhaps you have hesitated to purchase this type of vinegar because it tends to cost more than other, cheaper and more basic types? Don’t despair, we […]
Cornstarch Replacement
Cornflour has multiple uses in the kitchen, and surely is an essential ingredient in some of your favorite recipes. Some of the benefits of this versatile substance are: getting that thickness or special texture and stabilizing food. But perhaps you have wondered about the healthfulness of cornflour? I have. A friend recently brought over tiny […]
Cream of Tartar Substitute
Cream of tartar: the magical and mysterious ingredient in many cookbooks. I remember my mother always having this in her pantry, although, for many years, I didn’t know why, or what it was for. It was inscrutable and no one knew exactly what it was. A condiment? A sauce? Actually, Cream of tartar is a […]
Top 5 Cornmeal Substitutes You Can Try
Cornmeal is a basic ingredient in sweet treats like muffins, cookies, and biscuits. Corn tortillas are also made of cornmeal. Aside from being a key ingredient in many recipes, it can also be used for other purposes like thickening chili. With its versatility, there’s no surprise why you would likely see cornmeal in many recipes. But […]
What Is The Best Gochujang Substitute? Pick From These Three Choices
If you’re starting to appreciate Korean cooking, then one ingredient you would likely need to have in your kitchen is gochujang. This chili paste has a miso-like flavor. It is made with glutinous rice, red chili, salt, and fermented soy beans. Gochujang is widely used in Korean dishes such as bibimbap and bulgogi. It is also […]
The Seven Best Parmesan Cheese Substitutes
I can’t eat pesto pasta without Parmesan cheese. The cheese simply makes the pasta a lot more delicious. I also know people who can’t touch their salads without parmesan cheese. My friend, for one, likes to add Parmesan cheese to meatballs. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to use Parmesan cheese. But what […]