Seven Faithful Stand-Ins

Ok, so you're feeling spontaneous and want to fire up the grill. You got your steaks, fish or chicken, but you don't want to make that extra trip to the store for the few ingredients you may be missing. Here are seven faithful stand-ins to use if you don't have the exact ingredients needed.

1. Fresh Herbs - Use 1 tsp of dry herbs for every Tbls of fresh herbs as the flavor is more concentrated in dry herbs. Tip - Rub the dry herbs together between your fingers as you are applying to stimulate the aromatic oils and therefore enhance the flavor.
2. Garlic - Use 1/8 tps or granulated garlic in place of a medium garlic clove.
3. Ginger - Use 1/2 tsp of ground ginger in place of a 1 tsp of fresh minced ginger.
4. Italian Seasoning - If you don't have the ready-made Italian seasoning use this recipe. Combine 1/2 teaspoon each: dried oregano, marjoram, basil and rosemary; 1/8 tsp of sage.
5. Mustard - Use 1 tsp ground mustard plus 2 tsp vinegar in place of Tbls of prepared mustard.
6. Onion - Use 1 Tbls onion powder in place of 1 medium chopped onion.
7. Poultry Seasoning - If you don't have ready-made poultry seasoning use this recipe. Combine 1 tbls each dried rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, celery seed, plus 1 tsp black peppercorns. Whiz in spice grinder to desired consistency; only a few seconds.

Hope this is helpful for your next spontaneous meal. Stay posted for more cooking tips and recipes.

Chef Veronica Lee~

http://www.veronicaleeshomestylecuisine.com/Index.html