Green and Frugal Household Tips and Substitutions

~ Soft food restored ~
Soft cookies
Brown Sugar

Place slice of bread in package and reseal. Leave overnight. Remove bread slice and reseal. (Reuse bread as breadcrumbs below)

~ Stale Foods Regenerated ~
Cereal
Crackers
Cookies and Animal Crackers

Bake at 350 for no more than 5 minutes or until just slightly browned. This will take a watchful eye. Remove from oven and let cool. Reseal in original packaging. Good as new!

~ Breadcrumbs ~
You can use almost any baked item to make breadcrumbs. Some work better than others. The following base items are just what I've have tried in the past.

Stale Bread
Stuffing cubes
Crackers
Cereals - plain for meatballs, meatloaf and savory dishes.
Sugared cereal can be used as a small addition to breadcrumbs for chicken like Shake n' Bake

Bake stale ingredients at 350 degrees until crisp, but no more than 5 minutes.
Add desired spices in small amounts, or to taste, to coffee grinder for small amounts or to food processor for larger quantities.
Process until fine.
Store unused portions in a labeled air-tight container.

~ Over-ripe Bananas ~
When your family refuses to eat a good, but brown-skinned banana, toss it in the freezer. They'll appreciate it when it's reborn as banana bread!

My favorite Banana Nut Loaf recipe:

2 c. flour
1 tsp. EACH baking powder & baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
Grated peel of 1 lemon (or 1 tsp. Lemon extract)
2 large or 3 small bananas, mashed, to equal 1 cup
1/2 c. margarine, softened
1 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 cup walnuts, chopped fine, but I like somewhat coarse :)

Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Combine bananas and lemon peel (or lemon extract). Set aside.
In large bowl cream margarine.
Gradually beat in sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well blended.
Alternately stir in flour and banana mixtures until well blended.
Stir in walnuts.
Turn into well greased loaf pan.
Bake in preheated 325 degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean, but moist.
Cool on rack 5 minutes. Turn loaf out to complete cooling and serve.

YUM!!

~ Funnel ~
Cut the top off a pop bottle. Comes in different sies for all your needs.
Need to pour old engine oil into a bottle? PERFECT!

~ Freezer burn ~
Invest in a sealer. It will save you tons of money.
If this is not affordable, second best is to squeeze the air out of the package and use chip clip or binder clip.

~ Clean Water ~
Purchase a water filter, whether it's installed or by pitcher. This will literally save you hundreds of dollar$. It may be much cleaner that the purchased bottles, too, which have come under question.

~ Food Containers in the Fridge ~
Turn containers like sour cream, spaghetti sauce and applesauce upside down.

~ Food Containers in the Cupboard~
Use sealer or squeeze the air out of the package and use chip clip or binder clip.

~ Binder Clips ~
Use to re-seal cereal, crackers, and chips.
Keep that toothpaste tube neat. Rool up tube and clip.
Organize computer cables.
Use small clips as a favorite recipe marker.

~ Stapler ~
No Chip clips or Binder clips? As volume decreases cut top and re-staple to seal n the freshness.
Hem loose? Refold and use a stapler until it can be re-sewn.

~ White-Out ~
Dirty scuff marks on your white running shoes or dress shoe heels.
Wood (painted white) scratches

~ Permanent marker ~
(in appropriate color. I find I use black the most.)
Dress shoe heel scuffs.
Wood scratches

~ Post-it notes ~
Use a book marker. Even if your 2 year-old drops your book, they won't lose your place.

Add water to:

Shampoo
Hand soap
Dish soap

I like adding at least 50% water.

~ Kids paint pallet- Use an old ice cube tray. Reusable, or for short term, cover with plastic wrap.

~ Reuse Advertising business card sized magnets.

Glue your child's photo to a magnet and cut out the image to make a picture magnet. Trim to fit.

Glue a piece of a magnet to a hinged wooden clothes pin to hold the latest art on the fridge.

Print a children's Nap Time note to stick to a metal door. Attach to magnet with white glue or double sided tape. Trim to fit, or overlap as long as it is not heavier than the magnet will hold.

~ Bath Toy Sling & Drainer - Mesh bag from oranges- Cut 1 inch vertical slice near handle. Adjust as needed for toy size, but underestimate and adjust. They will stretch much more than you may expect. Hang by original loop closure or loop over large suction cup.

~ Warm Pack ~
Fill a cotton sock (tube socks work well) with plain white rice 3/4 full. Tie off end.
Heat 1-2 minutes in microwave oven. Let cool a few minutes to be warm to the touch (not HOT). Place on affected area. Reusable.

~ Cold Pack ~
Fill desired size of Ziplock bag with 2/3 water and 1/3 isopropyl alcohol. Place in another ziplock bag. Freeze.
Squeeze until pack has some give. Place on affected area. Return to freezer for future use.

~ Bee Stings & Acne relief ~
Make thick paste of baking soda moistened with water. Let dry and rinse.

You can use pantyhose in your garden this way, but I've only used them to tie plants to stakes myself. :D

Other gardening tips:

Plant name stakes: Plastic Knives. cut old Vinyl Blinds

Weed Control: Newspaper under mulch

Seed starters: Egg Cartons, or unused ice cube trays if you have an ice maker

Not growing tomatoes or other climbing vegetable plant this year? Need a support for a climbing flower? Clematis, honeysuckle, climbing hydrangea, morning glories, and more.

Use one of your unused tomato cages. Flip upside down and stake to he ground over an immature climbing plant. They'll love you for it.

Decorate or not. I did use high temp BBQ spray paint on mine, wire-tied a stained glass ball thing-a-ma-jig, and it looks great. (I'll post a picture when able.)

Alcohol/Liqueur
Substitute the same amount (volume) of liquid in the recipe as originally called for with alcohol. Depending on the recipe, apple juice or chicken broth often makes a good substitution for wine. When using flavored liqueurs, extracts can be substituted if you make up the balance of the liquid with water.

For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (orange liqueur) you could use 1/2 teaspoon orange extract and 5 1/2 teaspoons water. Just be sure to get the same level of orange flavor. This may take some experimentation.

Allspice, Ground
Substitute 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for 1 teaspoon ground allspice.

Apple Pie Spice
Substitute 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg and a pinch ground allspice for 1 tablespoon apple pie spice.

Baking Chocolate
Substitute 1-ounce unsweetened chocolate for 1-ounce baking chocolate.

Baking Powder
Substitute 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar and 1/4 teaspoon corn starch for 1 teaspoon baking powder.

Baking Soda
There is no recommended substitute for baking soda.

Barbecue Sauce
Substitute 1 cup ketchup and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke seasoning for 1 cup barbecue sauce.

Beef Broth
Substitute 1 cup boiling water and 1 teaspoon instant beef bouillon granules (or 1 bouillon cube) for 1 cup broth.

Bouquet Garni
Substitute 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leave and 1 bay leaf (crushed) for 1 teaspoon bouquet garni.

Breadcrumbs
Substitute 3 to 4 slices oven-dried bread crushed for 1 cup breadcrumbs.

Substitute 3/4 cup cracker crumbs for 1 cup breadcrumbs.

Substitute 1 1/4 cups croutons or stuffing cubes, crushed for 1 cup breadcrumbs.

Broth, Beef or Chicken
Substitute 1 cup boiling water and 1 teaspoon instant bouillon granules (or 1 bouillon cube) for 1 cup broth.

Butter
Substitute unsalted butter for salted butter in any recipe. It is NOT necessary to add salt.

Substitute whipped butter, based on weight, not volume for stick butter.

Substitute stick margarine made from vegetable oil in most baking applications except in pastry recipes. Using margarine will produce a softer dough than one made with butter, and may not have the same flavor as butter.

Buttermilk
Substitute 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 1 cup for 1 cup of buttermilk. Let stand 5 minutes.

Substitute 1/2 cup plain yogurt plus 1/2 cup milk for 1 cup buttermilk.

Cardamom, ground
Substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger for 1 teaspoon ground cardamom. (Flavor may vary.)

Chicken Broth
Substitute 1 cup boiling water and 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon granules (or 1 bouillon cube) for 1 cup broth.

Chocolate Chips, Semi-Sweet
Substitute 6 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped, for 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Chocolate, Bittersweet
Substitute 1 (1-ounce) square semi-sweet baking chocolate for 1 (1-ounce) square bittersweet baking chocolate.

Chocolate, Semi-Sweet
Substitute 3 tablespoons chocolate chips for 1 (1-ounce) square semi-sweet baking chocolate.

Substitute 1 (1-ounce) square bittersweet baking chocolate for 1 (1-ounce) square semi-sweet bittersweet baking chocolate.

Substitute 1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened baking chocolate and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for 1 (1-ounce) square semi-sweet baking chocolate.

Substitute 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 7 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 cup butter, margarine or shortening for 6 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate.

Chocolate, Sweet Baking (German's)
Substitute 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 4 teaspoons sugar and 1 tablespoon butter, shortening or vegetable oil for1 - ounce German's sweet baking chocolate.

Chocolate, Unsweetened
Substitute 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa and 1 tablespoon butter, margarine or shortening for 1- ounce unsweetened baking chocolate.

Chocolate, White
Substitute 1- ounce milk chocolate for 1 ounce white chocolate. (Color and flavor will vary.)

Cinnamon, Ground
Substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice or 1 teaspoon ground cardamom for 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Cocoa, Unsweetened
Substitute equal amount of Dutch-processed cocoa for unsweetened cocoa.

Coffee
Substitute 1 cup hot water and 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder for 1 cup strong brewed coffee.

Cooking Sprays, No-stick
Substitute for shortening to prepare baking sheets and baking pans.

Corn Syrup, Dark
Substitute 1 cup light corn syrup for 1 cup dark corn syrup. (Flavor will be affected somewhat.)

Substitute 3/4 cup light corn syrup and 1/4 cup light molasses for 1 cup dark corn syrup.

Corn Syrup, Light
Substitute 1 cup dark corn syrup for 1 cup light corn syrup (Flavor will be affected somewhat.)

Substitute 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water or liquid used in recipe for 1 cup light corn syrup.

Cornstarch
Substitute 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Cream (20% fat) (Coffee Cream)
Substitute 3 tablespoons melted butter and whole milk to equal 1 cup for 1 cup cream (20% fat) (coffee cream)

Cream (40% fat) (Heavy Whipping Cream)
Substitute 1/3 cup melted butter and 2/3 cup whole milk for 1 cup whipping cream. This substitution can be used when not for whipping.

Cream of Tartar
There is no recommended substitution for cream of tartar.

Cream, Half & Half
Substitute 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup whipping cream for 1 cup half & half.

Substitute 1 tablespoon melted butter and enough milk to equal 1 cup for 1 cup half & half.

Egg Whites
Substitute 2 teaspoons meringue powder and 3 tablespoons water for1 large egg white.

Substitute powdered egg whites for most recipes requiring egg whites. Follow directions on powdered egg whites container.

Substitute 2 tablespoons liquid egg whites for 1 egg white in applications except meringue and angel food cake recipes.

Eggs
Substitute 1/4 cup refrigerated egg product for 1 whole egg.

Espresso Instant Coffee Powder
Substitute 2 to 3 teaspoons instant coffee granules for 1 tablespoon espresso coffee powder.

Substitute 2 1/2 tablespoons instant cappuccino drink mix for 1 tablespoon espresso coffee powder.

Flour, All-purpose
Substitute 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour for 1 cup all-purpose flour.

Substitute self-rising flour minus the salt in yeast bread recipes for all-purpose flour.

Substitute self-rising flour minus the salt and baking powder in quick bread recipes for all-purpose flour.

Substitute 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup soy flour for 1 cup all-purpose flour in recipes such as quick breads and pancakes to reduce the carbohydrates.

Flour, All-purpose (as thickener)
Substitute 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch, potato starch, rice starch, arrowroot starch, or 1 tablespoon quick-cooking tapioca for 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.

Flour, Bread
Substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 2 teaspoons gluten flour for 1 cup unsifted bread flour.

Flour, Cake
Substitute 1 cup minus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for 1 cup cake flour.

Flour, Gluten-Free Blend
Substitute Gluten-Free Flour Blend for regular flour. To make flour blend, combine 2 cups rice flour, 2/3 cup potato starch, 1/3 cup tapioca flour and 1 teaspoon xanthan gum. Use appropriate amount for recipe; store remainder in container with tight-fitting lid.

Flour, Pastry
Substitute 2/3 cup all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup cake flour for 1 cup pastry flour.

Flour, Self-Rising
Substitute 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt for 1 cup self-rising flour.

Flour, Whole Wheat
Substitute 1 cup minus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons wheat germ for 1 cup whole wheat flour.

Substitute 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for 1 cup whole wheat flour.

Garlic
Substitute 1/2 teaspoon instant minced garlic or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder for 1 clove minced garlic.

Garlic, Salt
Substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 3/4 teaspoon salt for 1 teaspoon garlic salt.

Ginger, Fresh
Substitute 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger for 1 tablespoon minced or grated fresh ginger.

Ginger, ground
Substitute 1 teaspoon ground allspice for 1 teaspoon ground ginger. (Flavor will vary.)

Half & Half
Substitute 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream for 1 cup half & half.

Substitute 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter and enough whole milk to equal 1 cup for 1 cup half & half.

Herbs
Substitute 1 teaspoon dried herbs for 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.

Honey
Substitute 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar plus 1/4 cup liquid (use whatever liquid is called for in the recipe) for 1 cup honey.

Substitute 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup maple syrup, light or dark corn syrup or light molasses for 1 cup honey.

Italian Seasoning
Substitute 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves for 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.

Ketchup
Substitute 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon vinegar for 1/2 cup ketchup.

Lemon Juice
Substitute 1/2 teaspoon vinegar for 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

Maple Syrup
Substitute 1 cup honey for 1 cup pure maple syrup.

Substitute 1 cup minus 3 tablespoons light molasses for 1 cup pure maple syrup.

Marshmallow Creme
Substitute 16 large or 160 miniature marshmallows plus 2 teaspoons light corn syrup for 1 cup marshmallow creme. Place in double boiler or stainless steel bowl over simmering water; stir until smooth.

Marshmallows
Substitute 10 miniature marshmallows for 1 large marshmallow.

Substitute 8 to 10 large marshmallows for 1 cup miniature marshmallows.

Milk, Evaporated
Substitute 1 cup half & half or whole milk for 1 cup evaporated milk.

Milk, Sweetened Condensed
Substitute 1 cup instant nonfat dry milk plus 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup boiling water and 3 tablespoons melted butter for 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk.