Passionposts 
What can I use instead of burger buns? We found some of the best replacements for burger buns are Portobello mushrooms, cauliflower, romaine lettuce, baked sweet potato, grilled eggplant, cloud buns, pita pockets, and corn tortilla wraps. Burger buns are easily replaced by using a bit of creativity and adapting some ingredients. You can easily … Read more
What can I use instead of basil pesto? We found some of the best replacements for basil pesto are fresh oregano, marjoram, parsley, broccoli, cilantro, avocado, red pepper, spinach, and chive pestos. Basil pesto is such a popular dipping sauce or accompaniment dressing for salads and even as a base for homemade pizza. But what … Read more
What can I use instead of bay leaf? The best substitutes for bay leaves are dried thyme, boldo leaf, oregano, parsley, and sage. Sweet basil, rosemary, and Indian bay offer different but delicious flavor profiles. Bay leaves are long, pointy leaves from the evergreen laurel tree. They have a spicy, complex flavor with mint and … Read more
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar? The best alternative for balsamic vinegar is red wine vinegar reduction. You can also use a blend of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with maple syrup and brown sugar. Other substitutes include a balsamic vinaigrette or a mixture of soy sauce, molasses, and lemon juice. … Read more
What can I use instead of baking powder in waffles? You can make waffles without baking powder or a leavening agent. Alternatively, combine baking soda and an acid liquid like buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, molasses, or sour milk. Other options include cream of tartar, self-rising flour, sparkling water, and whipped egg whites. A common … Read more
What can I use instead of buttermilk in banana bread? The best substitutes for buttermilk in banana bread are cultured or fermented dairy products like powdered buttermilk, clabbered milk, kefir, yogurt, and sour cream. Plant milk, yogurt, or blended tofu with added acid are vegan alternatives. Buttermilk is a fermented milk product. Adding buttermilk to … Read more
What can I use instead of buttermilk in biscuits? The best substitutes for buttermilk in biscuits are fermented milk products like kefir, yogurt, sour cream, and powdered buttermilk. Make DIY buttermilk by acidifying dairy or plant milk. Other vegan alternatives are tofu and nut cream. Buttermilk is an essential biscuit ingredient because it creates a … Read more
What sides pair best with Empanada? Pair Empanadas with filling, hearty sides like black beans and rice, Mexican sweet corn cakes, and twice-baked potatoes. Alternatively, opt for lighter, refreshing sides like fried plantains, strawberry salad, Mexican street corn salad, potato salad, arugula salad, or cucumber and chickpea salad. We want to warn each reader one … Read more
What are the best side dishes with asparagus? Allow asparagus to shine with creamy, seafood-based sides such as a prawn cocktail salad or potato rosti with smoked salmon and Hollandaise sauce. These herbaceous spears are enhanced with bold, savory flavors like beetroot pesto and Parmesan crackers, Prosciutto and pea pasta, or bacon and feta frittata. … Read more
What can I use instead of asparagus? You can replace asparagus with most green veggies, including broccoli, green beans, zucchini, leeks, and celery. Exotic ingredients like fiddlehead ferns and nopales also make excellent replacements. Lastly, use other asparagus varieties like white, frozen, or canned asparagus. Asparagus boasts rich nutrients and a mild earthy flavor. They … Read more
What are the best side dishes for venison? Venison has an intensely gamey flavor, so spicy, aromatic sides go well. Winter root vegetables are perfect: sweet potato with cinnamon, minty carrots, and syrupy glazed turnips. Fruit sauces, like cranberries, with their sweetness and acidity, contrast nicely with venison’s leanness. Whether you’re serving marinated venison steaks, … Read more
What can I use instead of Falernum? The best substitute for falernum is a homemade version of the syrup. You can also use orgeat syrup, allspice dram, grenadine syrup, ginger beer with lime, Fassionola, POG, or maple syrup. Falernum syrup is a sweet syrup liqueur used in cocktails. It is a Caribbean drink that … Read more
What can I use instead of Gran Classico? We found the best substitutes for Gran Classico to be Luxardo Aperitivo, Campari, Leopold Bros Aperitivo, Amaro Averna, Meletti 1870 Bitters, Rinomato, Contratto Bitters, and Martini & Rossi Fiero. Gran Classico is a Swiss-made digestive in the Amaro liqueur group, a maceration of aromatic herbs producing bittersweet … Read more
What can I use instead of Orgeat? The best substitute for orgeat is almond syrup. Other alternatives include amaretto liqueur, Crème de Noyaux, almond extract, horchata, and falernum. You can also create your own DIY orgeat syrup from scratch. Orgeat is a cocktail syrup made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water. The overall taste … Read more
What can I use instead of Cherry Heeringo? We found the best substitutes for Cherry Heering are Luxardo Sangue Morlacco, De Kuyper Cherry Brandy, Lazzaroni Maraschino Liqueur, Absolute Cherry’s Vodka, Chateau Grand Traverse, Marie Brizard Jolie Cherry, Kirschwasser, Cherry Marnier Liqueur, and Monin Cherry Syrup. Cherry Heering is a Danish-made liqueur, naturally flavored, lacking the … Read more
What can I use instead of Plymouth gin? The best substitute for Plymouth gin is London Dry. Although more juniper-forward, London Dry boasts aromatic notes of citrus peels and spicy botanicals. You can also use Old Tom for a sweeter citrus flavor, Genever for a richer style, or New Western Dry if you don’t like a … Read more
What can I use instead of Amer Picon? The best substitutes for Amer Picon are Amer Torani and Amer Depot – two recreations of Amer Picon. Other alternatives include CioCiaro, Montenegro, Ramazzotti, and Nonino Amaro liqueurs or Picon Bière. These liqueurs offer the same distinctive bittersweet orange and quinine notes of Amer Picon. Amer Picon … Read more
What can I use instead of genever? The best substitutes for genever are juniper-based spirits like gin, borovička, juniper liqueur, Cocalero, or juniper-flavored wine. Alternatively, enjoy pine liqueur and akvavit. Zero-alcohol gin is ideal for those avoiding alcohol. Genever is a Dutch juniper-based spirit that inspired the term “Dutch courage.” Made from distilled, malted, and … Read more
What can I use instead of velvet falernum? The best substitutes for velvet falernum are homemade falernum, allspice dram, spiced rum, and Elemakule Tiki Bitters. Non-alcoholic options are falernum syrup, orgeat, and grenadine. Velvet falernum is a sweet Barbadian rum liqueur infused with allspice, ginger, lime, vanilla, cloves, and almonds. Containing 11% alcohol, it dates … Read more
What can I use instead of Crème de Mure? Crème de Cassis, Chambord, and Crème de Framboise are the best substitutes for Crème de Mure, offering sweet berry flavors and tartness. Blackberry syrup is a perfect non-alcoholic option. You can also make a homemade Crème de Cassis by macerating blackberries, red wine, sugar, and vodka. Crème … Read more