Tip Talk Tuesday

Another Tuesday, and some more tips for you! These days with all the recession talk and such, many people are finding it hard to shell out big bucks on groceries. Yes, coupons are helpful in saving here and there, but sometimes you just need a certain ingredient to make the dish perfect. Or do you? I've got some recipe substitutions for foods that can be spendy and now you can use household staples instead. Save on cash & save yourself a headache!
Replace red wine with-->Pure cranberry juice
Replace white wine with-->White grape juice or apple juice
Replace mascarpone with-->Cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream
Replace buttermilk(1 C) with-->1 cup milk+1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar(let stand for 10 min)
Replace creme fraiche(1 C) with-->1/2 C sour cream mixed with 1/2 C heavy cream
Replace edamame with-->Green peas or black-eyed peas
Replace maple syrup with-->Brown sugar with a little water
Replace molasses with-->Honey
Replace cake flour(1 C) with-->1 C all-purpose flour minus 2 Tbsp
Replace macadamia nuts with-->Walnuts, almonds, or cashews
Replace fresh herbs(1 Tbsp) with-->1 tsp. dried herbs
Replace allspice(1 Tbsp) with-->1 tsp. cinnamon+1 tsp.nutmeg+1 tsp. ground cloves
Replace unsweetened chocolate with-->3 Tbsp cocoa powder+1 Tbsp unsalted butter, per oz
Replace vanilla beans with-->1 tsp. vanilla extract per inch of bean
Replace chives with-->Scallion greens
Replace boneless, skinless chicken breasts with-->Boneless, skinless chicken thighs