Emergency Ingredient Substitutions
Apple pie spice, 1 tsp.
Substitute:
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon plus 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp. ground allspice, and dash ground cloves or ginger

Baking powder, 1 tsp.
Substitute:
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar plus 1/4 tsp. baking soda

 
Buttermilk, 1 cup
Substitute:
Sour Milk: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup. (Let stand 5 minutes before using.) Or, 1 cup plain yogurt
 
Chocolate, semisweet, 1 ounce
Substitute:
3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate pieces. Or, 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate plus 1 tablespoon sugar
 
Chocolate, sweet baking, 4 ounces
Substitute:
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1/3 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons shortening
 
Chocolate, unsweetened, 1 ounce
Substitute:
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon cooking oil or shortening, melted
 
Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon (for thickening)
Substitute:
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
 
Corn syrup, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup water
 
Egg, 1 whole
Substitute:
2 egg whites. Or, 2 egg yolks. Or, 1/4 cup frozen egg product, thawed
 
Flour, cake, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 cup minus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
 
Flour, self-rising, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. baking soda
 
Fruit liqueur, 1 tablespoon
Substitute:
1 tablespoon fruit juice
 
Gingerroot, grated, 1 tsp.
Substitute:
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
 
Half-and-half or light cream, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 tablespoon melted butter plus enough whole milk to make 1 cup
 
Honey, 1 cup
Substitute:
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup water
 
Mascarpone cheese, 8 ounces
Substitute:
8 ounces regular cream cheese
 
Milk, 1 cup
Substitute:
1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water. Or 1 cup water plus 1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
 
Molasses, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 cup honey
 
Sour cream, dairy, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 cup plain yogurt
 
Sugar, granulated, 1 cup
Substitute:
1 cup packed brown sugar

Spice and Herb Substitutions

Whether you're making an emergency substitution or experimenting with a new flavor, follow these suggestions for spice alternatives. As a general rule, start with half of the amount the recipe calls for (unless directed otherwise), and add the spice until it suits your taste.

 
Allspice: Cinnamon; dash nutmeg; or dash cloves
Aniseed: Fennel seed or a few drops anise extract
Cardamom: Ginger
Chili powder: Dash bottled hot pepper sauce plus a combination of oregano and cumin
Cinnamon: Nutmeg or allspice (use only 1/4 of the amount)
Cloves: Allspice; cinnamon; or nutmeg
Cumin: Chili powder
Ginger: Allspice; cinnamon; mace; or nutmeg
Mace: Allspice; cinnamon; ginger; or nutmeg
Nutmeg: Cinnamon; ginger; or mace
Saffron: Dash turmeric (for color)
Basil: Oregano or thyme
Chervil: Tarragon or parsley
Chive: Green onion; onion; or leek
Cilantro: Parsley
Italian seasoning: Blend of any of these: basil, oregano, rosemary, and ground red pepper
Marjoram: Basil; thyme; or savory
Mint: Basil; marjoram; or rosemary
Oregano: Thyme or basil
Parsley: Chervil or cilantro
Poultry seasoning: Sage plus a blend of any of these: thyme, marjoram, savory, black pepper, and rosemary
Red pepper: Dash bottled hot pepper sauce or black pepper
Rosemary: Thyme; tarragon; or savory
Sage: Poultry seasoning; savory; marjoram; or rosemary
Savory: Thyme; marjoram; or sage
Tarragon: Chervil; dash fennel seed; or dash aniseed
Thyme: Basil; marjoram; oregano; or savory