Filling Your Plate: Part V - Ingredient Substitutions

I thought it was about time to throw this out there as it may come in handy when your food storage recipes come up short on some needed ingredients. I am sure there are many more out there. If you have a favorite, let's hear it!
Enjoy!

Ingredient Substitutions
by P. Kendall 1 (4/08)

Quick Facts...
 It is sometimes more convenient to substitute an ingredient than it is to go out and purchase the necessary ingredient.
When substituting ingredients, take into account the differences in taste, moisture content, texture and weight.
When substituting for sugar and flour, consider the differences in sweetening and thickening power.
Understand the physical and chemical properties of all ingredients.
Measuring accurately will help avoid disappointment.

How many times have you been ready to cook and found you were out of a certain ingredient? Sometimes it is inconvenient to run out and purchase the necessary ingredient -- it's easier to use a similar product as a replacement. There are, however, several factors to consider when substituting ingredients. Take into account differences in flavor, moisture, texture and weight.

Substitutions with an acid factor, such as molasses, need to be neutralized to avoid changes in the flavor and texture of the product. Differences in sweetening and thickening power need consideration in sugar and flour substitutions. To help avoid disappointments when substituting ingredients, understand the physical and chemical properties of all ingredients. Measure accurately.

Table 1 gives substitutes that may be used to get a finished product similar to the original. The following abbreviations are used:
tsp = teaspoon
Tbsp = tablespoon
oz = ounce
lb = pound

Table 1: Ingredient equivalents. Ingredient Amount  Substitutions Allspice 1 tsp 1/2 tsp cinnamon plus 1/2 tsp ground cloves.  Apple pie spice 1 tsp 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp cardamom.  Arrowroot, as thickener  1 Tbsp 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour.  1 Tbsp cornstarch.  Baking powder,  1 tsp 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp cream of tartar and 1/4 tsp cornstarch;   double acting 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 5/8 tsp cream of tartar;  1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk, sour milk or yogurt (decrease liquid in recipe by 1/2 cup);  1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 Tbsp vinegar or lemon juice plus sweet milk to make 1/2 cup (decrease liquid in recipe by 1/2 cup);  1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/4 cup molasses (decrease liquid in recipe by 1-2 Tbsp);  1 1/2 tsp phosphate or tartrate baking powder.  Bay leaf, crushed 1 tsp 1 whole bay leaf.  Brandy  1/4 cup  1 tsp brandy extract plus enough water or liquid called for in recipe to make 1/4 cup.  Bread crumbs 1/4-1/3 cup 1 slice bread;   dry  1/4 cup cracker crumbs;  2/3 cup rolled oats;   soft  1/2-3/4 cup 1 slice bread.  Broth, beef or chicken 1 cup 1 bouillon cube, 1 tsp (1 envelope) powdered broth base or 1 tsp instant granules dissolved in 1 cup water.  Butter  1 cup 1 cup margarine;  7/8 to 1 cup hydrogenated shortening plus 1/2 tsp salt;  7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 tsp salt;  7/8 cup oil plus 1/2 tsp salt.  Catsup  1 cup 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup sugar and 2 Tbsp vinegar (for use in cooking).  Chili Sauce 1 cup 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and dash of ground cloves and allspice.  Chives, finely chopped 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp green onion tops, finely chopped.  Chocolate, unsweetened  1 oz 3 Tbsp cocoa plus 1 Tbsp butter or fat;  3 Tbsp carob powder plus 2 Tbsp water.  semisweet 1-2/3 oz 1 oz unsweetened chocolate plus 4 tsp sugar.  Chocolate chips, semisweet, melted 6 oz pkg  (2/3 cup) 2 squares (2 oz) unsweetened chocolate, 2 Tbsp shortening and 1/2 cup sugar melted (2/3 cup).  Coconut, grated, dry 1 Tbsp  1 1/2 tbsp fresh coconut, grated.  Coconut milk  1 cup 1 cup milk.  Coconut cream 1 cup 1 cup cream.  Cornstarch 1 Tbsp 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour;  2 Tbsp granular tapioca;  1 Tbsp arrowroot.  Corn syrup 1 cup  1 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup water or other liquid called for in recipe;  1 cup honey.  Cracker crumbs  3/4 cup 1 cup dry bread crumbs.  Cream: 1 cup  half & half (10-12% fat) 1 1/2 Tbsp butter plus 7/8 cup milk;  1/2 cup coffee cream plus 1/2 cup milk;  1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted.   coffee (20% fat) 1 cup 3 Tbsp butter plus 7/8 cup milk.   heavy (36-40% fat) 1 cup 1/3 cup butter plus 3/4 cup milk (for baking only, will not whip).   sour  1 cup 7/8 cup buttermilk or sour milk;  1 cup yogurt;  1 1/8 cup powdered nonfat dry milk, 1/2 cup warm water and 1 Tbsp vinegar (mixture will thicken in refrigerator in a few hours);  1 cup evaporated milk plus 1 Tbsp vinegar (allow to stand 5 minutes before using);  1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 cup smooth cottage cheese blended together;  7/8 cup milk, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and 2 Tbsp butter or margarine.   whipped cream 2 cups 1 cup chilled evaporated milk plus 1/2 tsp lemon juice, whipped until stiff.  Cream of tartar 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar.  Dill, fresh 1 head 1 tsp dill seed.  Eggs  1 egg  2 1/2 Tbsp dried, sifted eggs plus 2 1/2 Tbsp water;   whole, large  (3 1/3 Tbsp) 3 1/3 Tbsp frozen egg yolks, thawed;  1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 Tbsp vinegar and 1 Tbsp liquid (in baking);  1 egg in every 3 can be replaced with 1 Tbsp cornstarch in baking;  Soften 1 Tbsp unflavored gelatin in 3 Tbsp cold water, add 3 tsp boiling water, cool and beat until frothy, add to recipe (reduce other liquid by 2 Tbsp);  1/4 cup commercial egg substitute.   whites 1 egg white  2 tsp dried egg white plus 2 Tbsp water;  (2 Tbsp) 2 Tbsp frozen egg whites, thawed.   yolks 1 egg yolk  2 Tbsp dried egg yolks plus 2 tsp water;  (1 1/3 Tbsp) 4 tsp frozen egg yolks, thawed.  Flour,  1 cup 7/8 cup all-purpose or bread flour.   pastry  cake 1 cup 7/8 cup all-purpose flour (1 cup less 2 Tbsp).   white, all-purpose  1 Tbsp 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch, potato starch, rice starch or arrowroot;  for thickening 1 Tbsp quick-cooking tapioca;  1 Tbsp waxy rice or corn flour;  2 Tbsp granular cereal;  2 Tbsp browned flour;  1 1/2 Tbsp whole wheat flour.   white, all-purpose  1 cup 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs;  for baking 1 1/8 cups cake flour (1 cup plus 2 Tbsp);  7/8 to 1 cup corn meal;  1/2 cup cornstarch plus 1/2 cup rye, potato or rice flour (sift together 6 times, use with 2 tsp baking powder per cup in quick breads as wheat flour allergy substitute);  13/16 cup gluten flour (1 cup less 3 Tbsp);  5/8 cup potato flour;  7/8 cup rice flour;  1 1/3 cups rolled oats;  1 1/4 cups rye flour;  1/8 cup soy, cottonseed, peanut or carob flour plus 7/8 cup all-purpose flour;  1/3 cup wheat germ plus 2/3 cup all-purpose flour  1 cup minus 1 Tbsp whole wheat flour.  Note: Specialty flours added to yeast bread recipes will result in a reduced volume and heavier product.  white, all-purpose,  1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/4 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt.  self-rising Garlic  1 clove, small 1/8 tsp garlic powder or instant minced garlic;  1/2-1 tsp garlic salt (reduce amount salt called for in recipe).  Gelatin, flavored 3-oz package  1 Tbsp plain gelatin plus 2 cups fruit juice.  Ginger, candied or raw  1 Tbsp 1/8 tsp powdered ginger.  Herbs, fresh 1 Tbsp 1 tsp dried herbs.  Honey  1 cup 1 1/4 cup sugar plus 1/4 cup liquid (use liquid called for in recipe).  Horseradish, grated fresh 1 Tbsp 2 Tbsp bottled horseradish.  Italian seasoning 1 tsp  1/4 tsp basil, 2/3 tsp dried parsley, and pinch oregano.  Lemon, whole 1 lemon 1 to 3 Tbsp juice, plus 2 to 2 1/2 tsp grated rind.   juice  1 tsp 1/2 tsp vinegar.   grated rind or peel 1 tsp 1/2 tsp lemon extract.  Lemon grass 1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp lemon peel.  Maple sugar, grated  1 Tbsp 1 Tbsp white sugar;  1/2 cup  1 cup maple syrup (decrease liquid by 1/2 cup).  Maple syrup  about 2 cups Combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water, bring to clear boil; take off heat; add 1/2 tsp maple flavoring.  Marshmallows, miniature 1 cup 10 large marshmallows.  Mayonnaise (for use in  1 cup 1 cup yogurt, sour cream or cottage cheese pureed in blender (use for all or part of mayonnaise called for in recipe).  salads and salad dressings)  Milk,  1 cup 1 cup minus 1 Tbsp sweet milk, plus 1 Tbsp vinegar or lemon juice; let stand 5 minutes;   buttermilk or sour  1 cup sweet milk plus 1 1/4-1 3/4 tsp cream of tartar;  1 cup yogurt (plain).   skim 1 cup 1/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk plus 7/8 cup water.   whole 1 cup 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water;  1 cup skim, 2% or reconstituted dry milk;  1 cup soy or almond milk;  1 cup fruit juice or potato water in baking;  1 cup water plus 1 1/2 tsp butter in baking;  1 cup buttermilk plus 1/2 tsp baking soda (decrease baking powder by 2 tsp).   sweetened condensed 1 cup Combine 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp dry milk with 1/2 cup warm water and 3/4 cup sugar, mix well, may set pan in bowl of hot water to dissolve sugar.  Mint leaves, fresh chopped 1/4 cup 1 Tbsp dried mint leaves.  Molasses 1 cup 3/4 cup sugar, increase liquid by 5 Tbsp, decrease baking soda by 1/2 tsp, add 2 tsp baking powder;  3/4 cup sugar plus 1 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, increase liquid in recipe by 5 Tbsp.  Mushrooms, fresh 1 lb 3 oz dried plus 1 1/2 cups water;  1 8-oz can, drained weight.  Mustard, dry  1 tsp 1 Tbsp prepared mustard;  1/2 tsp mustard seeds.  Nuts 1 cup  1 cup rolled oats, browned (in baked products).  Oil (for sauteing) 1/4 cup 1/4 cup melted margarine, butter, bacon drippings, shortening or lard.  Onion  1 small 1/4 cup chopped, fresh onion;  1 1/3 tsp onion salt;  1 to 2 Tbsp instant minced onion;  1 tsp onion powder.  Onion powder  1 tsp 1/4 cup fresh onion, chopped.  Orange 1 medium 6 to 8 Tbsp juice; 3/4 cup diced; 2 to 3 Tbsp grated rind.  Orange peel, dried  1 Tbsp 2 or 3 Tbsp grated fresh orange peel (peel of medium orange).  Parsley, fresh 1 Tbsp 1 tsp parsley flakes.  Pepper, white  1 tsp 1 tsp black pepper.  Peppers, green or red bell, dried 1 Tbsp  3 Tbsp fresh bell pepper, dried chopped.  Pimento 2 Tbsp, chopped 3 Tbsp fresh red bell pepper;  1 Tbsp dried red pepper, rehydrated.  Pumpkin pie spice 1 tsp 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp allspice and 1/8 tsp nutmeg.  Rennet 1 tablet 1 Tbsp liquid rennet.  Rice 1 cup cooked 1 cup converted, regular brown or wild rice, cooked.  1 cup bulgur or pearl barley, cooked.  Rum 1/4 cup  1 Tbsp rum extract plus enough liquid to make 1/4 cup.  Shortening, melted 1 cup 1 cup cooking oil.   solid 1 cup  1 cup minus 2 Tbsp lard;  1 cup butter or margarine (decrease salt in recipe by 1/2 tsp).  Sour cream, commercial  1 cup  (see cream, sour).  Sugar, brown 1 cup 1 cup granulated sugar;  1 cup granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses;  1/2 cup liquid brown sugar.   confectioners or powdered 1 cup 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for uses other than baking).   granulated 1 cup 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar;  1 1/3 cup confectioners sugar (for uses other than baking);  1 cup corn syrup, reduce other liquid by 1/4 cup (never replace more than 1/2 of sugar called for in recipe with corn syrup);  13/16 cup honey (1 cup less 3 Tbsp); reduce liquid in recipe by 3 Tbsp for every cup of honey added; add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize acidity;  3/4 to 1 cup maple syrup minus 3 Tbsp other liquid;  1 cup molasses or sorghum plus 1/2 tsp baking soda; omit or decrease baking powder by 1 tsp; reduce other liquid by 6 Tbsp;  1 cup raw sugar.   noncaloric solution 1/8 tsp  1 tsp granulated sugar;  2 Tbsp 1 cup granulated sugar.   noncaloric grains 1/4 tsp 1 tsp granulated sugar;  1/4 cup 1 cup granulated sugar.  Tapioca, quick-cooking 1 1/2-2 Tbsp 4 Tbsp pearl tapioca, soaked.   quick-cooking for thickening  1 Tbsp  1 Tbsp flour.  Tomatoes, fresh 2 cups, chopped  1 16-oz can, drained.   packed  1 cup 1/2 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup water.   canned  1 cup 1 1/3 cups diced tomatoes simmered 10 minutes.  Tomato juice 1 cup 1/2 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup water.  Tomato sauce 2 cups 3/4 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup water.  Tomato soup 1 10 3/4 oz. can 1 cup tomato sauce plus 1/4 cup water.  Vanilla bean 1/2 bean 1 Tbsp vanilla extract.  Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp 1 tsp bottled steak sauce.  Yeast, active dry (1/4 oz) 1 package 2 1/2 tsp dry yeast or 1 compressed yeast cake.  Yogurt  1 cup 1 cup buttermilk;  1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth;  1 cup sour cream.

Gleefully Ripped from the Colorado State University Extension site.

Mosin Magic Part 6 - The Saga Continues

Time marches on, and so do innovations of technology. The SHOT show is one of those gatherings of goodness for those who love firearms. Unfortunately I was not in attendance, but many who were posted videos online allowing us some idea of what was there.

One of those innovations is the Archangel Mosin-Nagant stock.

Here it is on the M44.

Shot Show 2013 Archangel Mosin-Nagant stock

Now that is nice! I look forward to reading some reviews on it once it is released for sale.

Whoops!
It seems that I overlooked the bolt when discussing modifications to install a scope. eBay yields up several bolt bending services which will benefit you even if you do not add a scope, both moving the bolt closer in proximity to the stock and adding leverage by lengthening the bolt handle. In addition to having your bolt modified, you can also have a "Safety Ring" added which will allow you to more easily engage the cumbersome safety should you choose not to go with a Timney Trigger. All this work can be done for $38.00!!!! Here is the listing.

Mosin-Nagant Sniper Bolt Body by Andrew Arnold

 Here is a YouTube video showcasing some of his work.


Now while searching on eBay for "Stuff", I came across this new scope mount. It is so new that it has no catchy name given to it yet. It replaces the rear sight base and affords 8 mounting locations. It is a Weaver style with a machined in non-adjustable open sight for 100 yards. Compared to it's competition, it seems reasonably priced at $45.00 including shipping.

Now, since we have mentioned modifying the safety, lets look at the other option which I readily found. It is much more expensive, but it is not a permanent mod. I am talking about the Brass Stacker Cocking Knob Safety Pull Ring. At $48.00 it is a much more expensive option than the eBay offering, but I like its design better. It comes in black or polished finish.

I am glad to see all these new products for the Mosin, helping these inexpensive war-horses live yet a longer life amongst the appreciative Gun owners of America.

Stepping Into A Pile Of Crap...

New York State Resistance - "... prime for something like that." 1/29/13
I see this happening more and more as TPTB overstep their legitimacy.

A hat tip to The Market Ticker for the YouTube link

Long Term Survival - The Mors Kochanski Super Shelter

Keeping warm during the cold winter months can be a challenge. Using this technique for your shelter can be the differnce of a comfortable nights sleep versus freezing all night, possibly to death.

Survival Instructor Mors Kochanski pioneered this design. I am sure many others have thought of using some aspects of this shelter without being exposed to his work, but he is evidently the first to be recognized for it.

Cody Lundin and Dave Canterbury used this design on one episode of Dual Survival when they were stranded on an island during the winter.

Here is a video featuring this concept.

Mors Kochanski Super Shelter


Here is another video of the same concept.

Build a Super Shelter with our PST

Merry Christmas All!

I want to thank all of you who take moments of your precious time to stop my blog and read my ramblings. I hope your Christmas is as special to you as mine is to me.

God bless you all and I hope you have a safe and happy New Year!

Hanging Out With Alice

Warning! Photo heavy post ahead!

I have been spending some time futzing around with my Alice Packs.
Yes, I have more than one.
I have 3.5 packs, with the .5 being an Alice pack on a Boy Scout(?) frame.
2 of them are Woodland camo medium packs and 1 is a large OD pack.
The .5 is a medium OD pack that was given to me some time ago.

I have been upgrading the suspension system on 3 of them, and contemplating the 4th.
If you are a fan of the Alice (A.L.I.C.E. for you purists) you are probably familiar with the HellCat modification.

If not, it goes as follows:
Molle shoulder straps (Woodland) installed
Molle II molded kidney belt (Woodland) installed
Molle sleep system carrier (Woodland) installed

HellCat example, not mine.

Note: Photos of Hellcat Mod property of "Enforcer"

I have made several modifications beyond this, which I will call the Scout Mod, and the Pioneer Mod, as I find the 'Hellcat" name rather cheesy.

All the mods utilize the Alice frame and pack, and also utilize the following:

Molle II Shoulder Straps (ACU)

 

 

Molle II Molded Waist Belt (Woodland)

Molle II Sustainment Pouch (Woodland)

Molle II 1 QT Canteen / General Purpose Pouch (Woodland)

Molle II Modular Sleep System Carrier (Woodland)

  

U.S. Woodland Field Pack (small training pack part of the Field Pack System) 

2 Quart Canteen and Pouch (OD w/Alice clips)

Molle Medic Pouch (Woodland)

 

This one is closer to the Scout Mod, but not quite there yet.

Notice the paracord handle, the machete, canteen and various pouches.

The Scout Mod leaves out the Modular Sleep System Carrier (MSS) and adds the 2 quart canteen
The Pioneer Mod adds the MSS carrier and the Molle Medic Pouch.
Or I can reverse this config. It is very customizable and adds quite a bit of capacity to a otherwise limited load carrying system. The drawback is that it is heavier than some other systems, but it should not let you down in the field and should last for many years.

Both will feature:
Carry handles and the addition of Fastex buckles on the main closure straps for easier interior access.
The U.S. Woodland Field Pack is mounted to the top cover and is large enough to carry assorted rain gear plus other items.

The Sustainment Pouch is mounted on the left side of the pack using the built in loops on the pack. There is no particular reason for this arrangement, it is just what I attached first.

The 1 QT Canteen / General Purpose Pouch is mounted on the right side, at the top of the pack. If you are going to carry a canteen in this pouch, I would recommend putting it on the lower position to keep the weight lower to center of mass.
The 2 Quart Canteen is mounted on the bottom loops.

If you wish you can change to either side with your attachments, but the sustainment pouch is large and takes up both the top and bottom mounting points. Any Molle or Alice attachment can be utilized, just use your imagination.

Now the reason I went with the ACU Molle II Shoulder Straps has more to do with cost than function, and if I could have gotten Woodland pattern straps at the same price I would have gone with them. Just be warned that there is a difference in the way Molle/Molle II mount as they are not entirely the same.

The Large Alice may become an INCH bag (I'm Never Coming Home). To be used in this fashion, these mods are required for comfort and function due to the increase in weight carried.

Here are some photos of the Scout Mod.

That is the Field Pack up top.

 

Here you see the 1 QT Canteen / General Purpose Pouch on top and the Medic Pouch below it. Look closely and you will see the mounting straps for the shoulder straps.

Here is the Sustainment Pouch. It holds a lot!
By itself, I would guess that it increases the volume of the pack by at least 1/5th

Here is another shot of the Field Pack mounted on the top flap. 

Yes, the straps need to be tamed. Have patience!

Here you can see the Molle II ACU Shoulder Straps. 

You can also see part of the waist belt.

This is a brand new Alice pack system, as everything, all components are new. By adding these pouches to the standard Alice system, I have nearly doubled its carrying capacity.

The easiest places to find the components to build your own are on Amazon and eBay. If you wish to spend some time searching, you may find components to build your own from other sources for better prices. Yard sales, second hand stores and such can yield many a treasure to help assemble on the cheap. At the very least, try to get a new frame. The other components in used condition should be adequate.

Sportsman's Guide has large Alice packs with frame and original straps for $49.99 for non-members, or $44.99 if you are one.

eBay searches yield some great results too, allowing you to buy now or play the bidding game.

If you wish to read more about modifying your Alice pack, here is a excellent tutorial on assembling the HellCat system.

Some other posts:
ALICE Gear Setups
Share your cheap yet potentially valuable tricks

Source of Fastex style buckles, Nylon webbing and other accessories: (Good Stuff!)
Strapworks.com

Enjoy!

Update:
I have purchased a Woodland camo Molle Shoulder Straps setup and will be installing it on the Scout Mod pack. On the scout Mod, I removed the 2 quart canteen and added the Molle Medic Pouch in the lower position. I then added a 1 quart Nalgene canteen and stainless steel canteen cup onto the waist belt as there are mounting points there also.

See the difference in the Molle vs Molle II Shoulder Straps.

 

I also purchased a new Camelback in Woodland camo. I am pondering ways to mount it and get rid of the 2 quart canteen. I don't want to put it in the pack if I can avoid it. I bought both new additions on eBay with the "buy it now" option.