I love to cook and I’m a fan of trying new recipes. While my spice cabinet is pretty well stocked, I don’t have everything– and I don’t need it! As you know, some spices can really run into money. That’s why I like to look up substitutes- and it can really help you save money.
For instance- I don’t have any ground ginger- and I definitely don’t have any fresh. Did you know cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, or mace can all be substituted? I definitely have cinnamon and nutmeg on hand!
Can this change the flavor of your recipe a little? Yeah it totally can- and if there is a recipe I know I’ll make often, or it’s a spice I know I can use in a variety of ways, I don’t mind going out to buy the “correct spice.” However, for a new recipe that we may or may not like, or something I can only see myself making once in a blue moon, I’ll save that $2.50 on the store brand ground ginger and just keep using my cinnamon. The dish was still delish!
Almost anything can be substituted! Don’t have chives? Use your windowsill green onions! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find substitutions.