When You're Out Of...

It's the perfect evening: the kids are happily entertaining themselves, Husband is sitting in his recliner, reading the newspaper, you're busily cooking a magnificent dinner. And then it happens. It almost always does. Your recipe calls for such-and-such, and low and behold, you're out of such-and-such. It would be ridiculous to make a quick trip to the store for that one ingredient, but you fear it might make or break your dish. So, you try to improvise. 

Hopefully, these substitutions from January's Real Simple will make your improv a lot more successful. 

When you're out of {blank} use {blank}...

Lemons------> use fresh lime juice or half the amount of white or red wine vinegar

Fresh Basil------> use slightly less fresh mint or fresh cilantro

Dry Bread Crumbs -----> use crushed cracker crumbs, cornflakes, or croutons

Chili Powder -----> use 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, 1/4 tsp. dried cumin, and a dash of bottled hot sauce (ie. Tabasco)

Kosher Salt-----> use fine table salt, substituting 1/2 to 3/4 the amount called for

Fresh Cilantro-----> use fresh flat-leaf parsley

Cheddar-----> use Colby, Monterey Jack, or American

Fresh Herbs-----> use the dried version, substituting 1/3 the amount called for

Nutmeg-----> use cinnamon, ginger, or allspice (for sweet, not savory, recipes)

Buttermilk-----> use 1 Tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar, plus enough milk to equal 1 cup; let it stand 5 minutes

Parmesan-----> use pecorino or Asiago

Thanks Real Simple for these great substitutions!

Submitted by Lindsey @ Penny-wise