Pantry or Cranky

I get very cranky if my pantry is empty or missing critical players.

Baking

The question to ask is: if you were stranded on a dessert island, yes, dessert, what would you have on hand to keep the island bountiful with your favorite treats?

Earth Balance in all of its spreadable goodness

1) Earth Balance Spread = Butter

Sorry butter! See you later Crisco! Earth Balance sticks and tubs are all I need for good baking … cookies, biscuits, cakes.

I am baking powder.

2) Baking Soda & Powder = Eggs

Sorry egg! A simple substitution of powders readily available in all pantries has voted you off our island. Thanks to Dilip for this chemically natural wonder.

Here is the most simple way to replace an egg in baked goods:

One Egg: With a fork, whisk together:

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons flour
3 Tablespoons water

TIP! For moist baked goods such as cakes or muffins, use the substitution above for 1/2 of the eggs in your recipe, then for the other half use soy yogurt, orange juice, coconut cream, bananas, or applesauce (depending on how subtle you want the flavoring to be — soy yogurt is the most subtle).

3) Coconut Milk

The fat from the can of Thai brand coconut milk can be used to make whip cream!

Fat! (Tip: You don't have to buy a 12-pack)

Not Baking

Following are a host of products that you will find useful and referred to throughout Hortamatic.

Hi! I’m Bragg’s! I like hats!

Think dignified but kooky soy sauce. I use this for soups, gravies, and all sorts of stir fries. In fact, here is a quick gravy recipe:

• 1/2 onion
• 1/2 portobello or other mushroom
• The rest as below.

Saute these in about 1 Tablespoon of Earth Balance until the onion is a little translucent.
Add about 3 Tablespoons of Bragg’s, to taste (more can be added later) and saute for 3 – 5 minutes, stirring often.
Sprinkle with about 1/4 cup flour. Stir all around.
Add about 1/8 cup corn starch to 1/2 cup water. Mix, then add to pan.
Add another cup or two or three of water until desired thickness. Whisk until thick.

I am totally guessing at the measurements here, folks, but the basic idea is here and I think you’ll make a fine gravy. If you don’t, send me pictures of your failed experiments.

2) Nutritional Yeast Flakes or Powder

Friendly flakes.

Usually, when talking nutritional yeast (NY) you know, at parties and such, the first thing mentioned is their nutrition. What a way to kill the conversation! So for you, I am going to first exploit the other point about NY: it’s delicious when used responsibly. I’m talking creamy scrambles, potatoes au gratin, omelets, dips, and more. It’s cheesy and tangy.

And now for the soy whip cream on top: some, but not all, nutritional yeast contain B12.

And lastly, Why replace?