Shelf-stable substitutions for common cooking ingredients

In the ever-changing landscape of cooking, we’ve seen a shift towards more shelf-stable ingredients. This is not only due to convenience but also to cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences. It also provides options for those who are preparing for a grid-down event, since many common ingredients are perishable or may become hard to obtain.

Shelf-Stable Substitutions for Eggs:

1. Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to form a gel-like consistency. This mixture can be used as an egg substitute in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and cookies.
2. Applesauce or Mashed Bananas: Replace one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas in recipes for baked goods. This substitution works well for vegan and gluten-free diets.
3. Tofu: Use 1/4 cup of silken tofu to replace one egg in recipes like quiches, frittatas, and scrambles. Tofu provides a similar texture and protein content.
4. Aquafaba: This is the liquid from a can of chickpeas or any other bean, and it can be whipped up to create a foamy texture similar to egg whites. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba to replace one egg in recipes like meringues, marshmallows, and macarons.

Shelf-Stable Substitutions for Butter:

1. Coconut Oil: Use an equal amount of coconut oil in place of butter in recipes like baked goods, sautéing, and roasting. This substitution works well for vegan and paleo diets.
2. Avocado: Mashed avocado can be used as a replacement for butter in recipes like brownies, cookies, and frostings. Use an equal amount of mashed avocado in place of butter.
3. Applesauce: Replace half of the butter in a recipe with unsweetened applesauce. This substitution works well for vegan and gluten-free diets.
4. Ghee: Ghee is clarified butter, which has a longer shelf life than regular butter. Use an equal amount of ghee in place of butter in recipes like sautéing, roasting, and baking.

Please see also the article, “Survival Food Cooking,” which includes a link to “Emergency Food Substitutions from agriculture.com”.

Happy cooking!