Handy ...

I like to keep handy things well,         handy!

I made this little list of things that I commonly use while cooking.  Since I use them so often, I also run out often.

When the recipe calls for ...Try this instead




• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs* • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)

• ~3/4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (squeezed from one lemon) • 2 tablespoon bottled lemon juice

• Clove of garlic • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

• Small onion, chopped • 1 tablespoon instant minced onion

• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms • 6-ounce can mushrooms

• 1 cup chopped celery • 8-ounce can sliced water chestnuts

• 1-1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes • 14.5-ounce can Hunt's® Diced Tomatoes, drained

• 2 cup tomato or vegetable juice • 8-ounce can of Hunt's Tomato Sauce, mixed with 1 cup water

• 1 cup canned chicken broth • 1 bouillon cube, mixed with 1 cup water

• 1 cup buttermilk (in baking) • 1 tablespoon lemon juice OR vinegar, mixed with 1 cup milk

• 1 cup sour cream • 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1 cup dried bread crumbs • 1 cup crushed saltine crackers or seasoned croutons



* Note: Many dried herbs are quite flavorful, such as basil, oregano, dill, sage, and thyme. However, some herbs taste best when used fresh, such as parsley, cilantro, and mint.