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The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook: Including Options for Low-Sugar, Low-Fat, Low-Salt, Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, and Vegan
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is a comprehensive A-Z listing of thousands of ingredients from the familiar and commonplace to the exotic and hard-to-find, plus all the available substitutes for each particular entry Whether you’re looking to replicate a missing ingredient (whether a key or minor component), seeking a healthier or leaner equivalent, or merely wanting a cheaper alternative, you won’t be disappointed.Whether you’re a budding baker, recipe maker, or culinary risk taker, look no further. There are ideas aplenty to stir the imagination. Plus, a wealth of options to satisfy your creative spirit. Whether you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or ethical dos and don’ts, this book has you covered. Also, it’s one you’ll turn to time and time again. choosing the right swap can sometimes spell the difference between a recipe’s success and a recipe’s failure.Why are you waiting?Order your copy today.
544 pages, Paperback
Published November 23, 2018
21 people are currently reading
3191 people want to read
About the author
Jean B. MacLeod
9 books79 followersJean B. MacLeod is a writer of practical hints for the home and garden and is interested in all things related to sustainable living. An enthusiastic culinarian, she is a member of the Culinary Historians of Southern California and Slow Food USA. She lives in the Los Angeles area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 19, 2019
This is the first book I have come across that contains all of this information in one book. I have many books, pages torn out of magazines or cards cut off boxes that I've collected over the years to get the information that EVERY successful cook needs to insure quality results. Jean Macleod has now saved many people the aggravation of trying to track down the information when they need it. Whether you are a beginner or expert cook, you need this book in your collection!
January 17, 2019
This is a great recourse book for anyone who cooks and is looking for substitutions.
The Complete Food Substitutions Hand book a food encyclopedia that gives common substitutions for familiar ingredients that most people have laying around their houses. As well as other substitutions you might not have thought would work.
This is a great addition for anyone who cooks in the kitchen and hates to constantly look up on line what exchange you can use. This is a must have in everyone's kitchen.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Jean B. MaCleod The Complete Food Substitutions handbook.
The Complete Food Substitutions Hand book a food encyclopedia that gives common substitutions for familiar ingredients that most people have laying around their houses. As well as other substitutions you might not have thought would work.
This is a great addition for anyone who cooks in the kitchen and hates to constantly look up on line what exchange you can use. This is a must have in everyone's kitchen.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Jean B. MaCleod The Complete Food Substitutions handbook.
May 6, 2019
This is a handy book, arranged in alphabetical order, which gives you ideas for substitutions in recipes where you haven’t quite got all the right ingredients. For example, if you want to make hummus but have no tahini, you could use smooth peanut butter instead. As a vegetarian, I’m often disappointed to find anchovies hidden away in a recipe, but now I know I can replace them with capers.
There are limits though. Often the substitutions are merely the same item in a different form eg flaked rather than powdered. The other issue for me was that although I was using a review copy from NetGalley UK, the book was plainly American and had US measurements and ingredient names. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if all the unfamiliar ingredients were actually rare foods or just ones I didn’t recognise the American words for. I hope the edition they sell in the UK is a British version, but if not, you may have to use Google in conjunction with the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.
There are limits though. Often the substitutions are merely the same item in a different form eg flaked rather than powdered. The other issue for me was that although I was using a review copy from NetGalley UK, the book was plainly American and had US measurements and ingredient names. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if all the unfamiliar ingredients were actually rare foods or just ones I didn’t recognise the American words for. I hope the edition they sell in the UK is a British version, but if not, you may have to use Google in conjunction with the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.
February 15, 2019
This is a surprisingly thorough and helpful book for cooks. It is basically a really long encyclopedia of food ingredients with possible substitutions. In many cases the substitution will be slightly different in flavor or results but they all are pretty good options. There are many options for switching out vegetarian or gluten free ingredients for traditional ingredients -- for instance, what's a substitute for anchovy paste in a recipe? Others are just substitutions in case you're out of an ingredient or it's an exotic ingredient you don't have access to. Some of the options are if you just don't have it on hand, and others are for vegetarian ingredients with a similar taste/effect in the recipe.
I was pleasantly surprised that there were wild foods listed as substitutes too. For instance, peeled burdock stems were listed as some of the possible substitutes for artichoke hearts. I've heard that they taste similar to artichoke hearts but I would not expect a traditional cookbook to know that. Wild berries and greens are also listed at times as substitutes.
The book also gives instructions on how to make your own sauces, spice mixes, etc. These are short and simple -- mix up these 5 ingredients for barbecue sauce, for instance, or melt these two things over medium heat and store in the fridge for up to a month for this kind of sauce.
MANY international sauces and spice mixes are listed, including lots that I've never heard of. This would be invaluable for cooking cuisines from parts of the world that are new to you, especially if you don't have access to all of the ingredients.
There are no photos and there isn't really text or discussion. It's just a very long book of ingredients with all kinds of substitutions for each. It's likely to be useful for many cooks. A great resource.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for purpose of review.
I was pleasantly surprised that there were wild foods listed as substitutes too. For instance, peeled burdock stems were listed as some of the possible substitutes for artichoke hearts. I've heard that they taste similar to artichoke hearts but I would not expect a traditional cookbook to know that. Wild berries and greens are also listed at times as substitutes.
The book also gives instructions on how to make your own sauces, spice mixes, etc. These are short and simple -- mix up these 5 ingredients for barbecue sauce, for instance, or melt these two things over medium heat and store in the fridge for up to a month for this kind of sauce.
MANY international sauces and spice mixes are listed, including lots that I've never heard of. This would be invaluable for cooking cuisines from parts of the world that are new to you, especially if you don't have access to all of the ingredients.
There are no photos and there isn't really text or discussion. It's just a very long book of ingredients with all kinds of substitutions for each. It's likely to be useful for many cooks. A great resource.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for purpose of review.
March 7, 2019
I was surprised by the content even though it said that it was a substitution guide. I still expected some kind of more lyrical book. This book it good if you want to know which substitute yo use when you're cooking and you cannot find the right ingredient at the store or if you are allergic or have food restrictions like gluten and lactose free food. It also contains some brief recipes for some things like almond milk/paste. Good thing to have but not a super thrilling read 😉
April 3, 2019
Thank you Books Go Social for this ARC.
This is a really useful book, clearly outlining many different substitutions for foods that you may not have readily available. My only disappointment was that, living in a country where many healthy foods are not available, many of the substitutes were also not available. I would hav elites to have seen more really basic substitutes for some of the items I looked for. Otherwise a great book that certainly does offer many substitutions.
This is a really useful book, clearly outlining many different substitutions for foods that you may not have readily available. My only disappointment was that, living in a country where many healthy foods are not available, many of the substitutes were also not available. I would hav elites to have seen more really basic substitutes for some of the items I looked for. Otherwise a great book that certainly does offer many substitutions.
February 18, 2019
I'm trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle and this book has great recipes and tips for that and I plan to use this as a reference for the future. Thanks to the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views.
December 13, 2018
An essential guide for any cook
A complete and concise guide to all you could ever need to know about cooking and baking substitutions, even including make your own recipes. If you cook in a rush like myself a lot and forget ingredients or don't know where to find what you're needing, this book is an essential guide to help any cook of any level succeed in the kitchen.
A complete and concise guide to all you could ever need to know about cooking and baking substitutions, even including make your own recipes. If you cook in a rush like myself a lot and forget ingredients or don't know where to find what you're needing, this book is an essential guide to help any cook of any level succeed in the kitchen.
April 16, 2019
Well this was a good idea waiting to happen! And worth the wait...Hats off to the author, it must have taken an immense amount of research to compile all of this information. Sure, we could all Google our queries as & when we need to know something, but there are times when it really is just so much more convenient to have it all to hand - & this book ‘fills the bill’. I am certainly happy to recommend it.
April 12, 2019
This is a great addition to any kitchen. It provides with just enough ideas on making your meals delicious and healthy. I love the idea of having one book that is handy with all of these substitutions so that I do not have to do all the hard work.
I have tried some of the suggestions and they are great.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for that perfect cookbook.
I have tried some of the suggestions and they are great.
Highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for that perfect cookbook.
April 4, 2019
This is a great premise for a book. Lots of substitutes for daily use items or how you can make a similar product. This is a handbook everyone should have on their shelf.
June 16, 2019
Where has this handbook been for the past 50 years? I could have used it so many times I probably would have needed several due to wearing them out. It is formatted similar to a dictionary. You search for the item you need to substitute and it gives you items that can be used instead of the searched item. It truly is essential for those times when you think you have an ingredient and discover you or out. It is also necessary when a particular item cannot be used due to allergies or dislike.
Buy one for you and one for your each of your family members, all of your friends, the people at church and everyone you work with. We all need to have this book!
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.
Buy one for you and one for your each of your family members, all of your friends, the people at church and everyone you work with. We all need to have this book!
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.
February 13, 2019
This book is going to be so useful to have in the kitchen. I like the way the book is written, with everything listed alphabetically. Although it shouldn't make too much of a difference, there is a small difference in the US cup measurement and that of the UK. Cups are not really a popular way to measure here in the UK. However, i do recommend this handy book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
January 8, 2019
This is basically encyclopedia that gives appropriate recipe substitutions for familiar ingredients, as well as some that I’ve never used before. It's obviously meant to be used for reference purposes, rather than read all the way through in one go. It would be useful for professional and home cooks alike, especially individuals who want to recreate recipes that call for items that they wouldn’t normally have on hand or that can’t easily be bought where they live.
Although finding ingredient substitutions is generally a common sense equation more often than not, there were many entries for things that most American cooks probably won't recognize at first. That's why the short descriptions of each entry were so useful. After all, it's hard to find a replacement for something if you don't even know what it is. There were also additional notes that described any differences between the main ingredient and possible substitutes. Again, this was very helpful. There were even Make Your Own sections that would be great additions for readers who have more time.
Like most encyclopedias, this one might have benefited from some pictures to break up the text. There were also some measurements listed that probably will be hard to replicate using standard implements: 7/8 a cup and 2/3 or 1/3 a teaspoon are the main ones that come to mind. The author also uses ounces and pounds on a regular basis without converting them to more ordinary cooking measurements, like cups or table/teaspoons.
Quite a few of the suggested replacement items also seem like they would be as hard to find as whatever it is you’re replacing. I even spotted a number of typos as well, but they generally didn’t affect the entry in question’s readability. However, there is no corresponding information for "Peanut Butter, Natural" and in another entry the available information seemed to taper off in mid-sentence.
BTW: You can make your own basic cheese sauce by heating together shredded cheese, a little bit of milk or cream, and possibly a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken it up. You don’t need to use a salt-heavy soup mix. Ditto with cream sauce.
Other Notes:
You may need a coffee/spice grinder, if you plan on using this book a lot.
Not always great for math challenged folks. For example: “reduce liquid by 30%”
Although finding ingredient substitutions is generally a common sense equation more often than not, there were many entries for things that most American cooks probably won't recognize at first. That's why the short descriptions of each entry were so useful. After all, it's hard to find a replacement for something if you don't even know what it is. There were also additional notes that described any differences between the main ingredient and possible substitutes. Again, this was very helpful. There were even Make Your Own sections that would be great additions for readers who have more time.
Like most encyclopedias, this one might have benefited from some pictures to break up the text. There were also some measurements listed that probably will be hard to replicate using standard implements: 7/8 a cup and 2/3 or 1/3 a teaspoon are the main ones that come to mind. The author also uses ounces and pounds on a regular basis without converting them to more ordinary cooking measurements, like cups or table/teaspoons.
Quite a few of the suggested replacement items also seem like they would be as hard to find as whatever it is you’re replacing. I even spotted a number of typos as well, but they generally didn’t affect the entry in question’s readability. However, there is no corresponding information for "Peanut Butter, Natural" and in another entry the available information seemed to taper off in mid-sentence.
BTW: You can make your own basic cheese sauce by heating together shredded cheese, a little bit of milk or cream, and possibly a bit of cornstarch or flour to thicken it up. You don’t need to use a salt-heavy soup mix. Ditto with cream sauce.
Other Notes:
You may need a coffee/spice grinder, if you plan on using this book a lot.
Not always great for math challenged folks. For example: “reduce liquid by 30%”
February 17, 2020
Wow, this book is incredibly thorough and a must-have resource for anyone who cooks or bakes! There is no introduction for this book, but rather the author jumps right in starting off with "abalone" which is something I had never even heard of. That's how specific this book is! Ingredients are listed out in chapters from A to Z, making it super easy to search for something specific. There are multiple variations of the same ingredient (i.e. almond flour, almond butter, almond extract, almond milk, almond paste, almond syrup, etc.) and many include "Make Your Own" instructions which is very helpful.
I transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle four years ago and spent a lot of time experimenting on my own and adapting my family's traditional recipes to plant-based by swapping out sour cream, butter, mayo, and more. This book would have been so helpful to me back then! My favorite substitution for mayo is actually published in this book--silken tofu with vinegar, lemon juice, and dijon mustard. I can't wait to explore this book more and then next time I start cooking a recipe and realize I'm missing an ingredient, this will be the first place I go to find a replacement.
*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. However, all opinions are my own.*
I transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle four years ago and spent a lot of time experimenting on my own and adapting my family's traditional recipes to plant-based by swapping out sour cream, butter, mayo, and more. This book would have been so helpful to me back then! My favorite substitution for mayo is actually published in this book--silken tofu with vinegar, lemon juice, and dijon mustard. I can't wait to explore this book more and then next time I start cooking a recipe and realize I'm missing an ingredient, this will be the first place I go to find a replacement.
*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. However, all opinions are my own.*
January 17, 2019
Have you ever wanted to try a new recipe, but after reading the ingredients you may be missing one or two. It calls for baking powder, but you have baking soda on hand. With Jean MacLeod's, “The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook”, no problem. Jean's book is like a Dictionary, Thesaurus and a Bible for the Kitchen, all wrapped up into one. It has all the answers. It has the substitution for every food or spice from A to Z. If you need Allspice for instance, Jean gives the ingredients that make up allspice and the proportions. I enjoyed just reading through it, to learn the difference in Chilies. What they could be used for and what I could substitute if I couldn't find a certain kind. There are recipes included too. If you want to make your own Bisquick Mix, now you can. My family always tells me I am a good cook, now I can be even a better one. Anyone that likes to bake, cook or just learn more about certain foods and ingredients, this is the book for you. Every serious cook needs a copy of Jean's book in your kitchen.
I received a copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.
I received a copy of this book from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.
January 22, 2019
This handbook is really an indispensable reference in any kitchen and for any cook that does not have every single possible ingredient at hand. Since it is almost impossible to have access to every ingredient this book will offer options and useful substitutions.
While this isn't a book to read cover to cover (though I know a couple people who would likely enjoy doing so) it rewards at least a fairly thorough perusing. In addition to things you won't know you need until you need them there are some recipes for things that may well appeal to you and be worth a try. I made several notes on things I want to make and try.
This might not be for the cook who only cooks on occasion or sticks to commonly available ingredients, this is a must have for cooks who cook often and who like to experiment with their meals. I didn't expect to get new ideas from it, I was excited enough to be able to have options when I try a recipe that calls for something I don't generally have or can't easily find. Finding new inspirations between the covers is an added bonus.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
While this isn't a book to read cover to cover (though I know a couple people who would likely enjoy doing so) it rewards at least a fairly thorough perusing. In addition to things you won't know you need until you need them there are some recipes for things that may well appeal to you and be worth a try. I made several notes on things I want to make and try.
This might not be for the cook who only cooks on occasion or sticks to commonly available ingredients, this is a must have for cooks who cook often and who like to experiment with their meals. I didn't expect to get new ideas from it, I was excited enough to be able to have options when I try a recipe that calls for something I don't generally have or can't easily find. Finding new inspirations between the covers is an added bonus.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
March 6, 2019
BooksGoSocial and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is an A to Z reference guide, as food items are listed in alphabetical order. In order to allow all eaters to benefit from this book, the author has included, where applicable, low-sugar, low-salt, gluten-free, low-fat, lactose-free, and vegan options as substitutions.
I particularly liked when recipes for making your own ingredient were included, such as the recipes for Almond Butter and Almond Milk. I also liked how precise the substitutions were, with exact proportions given. I do wish that the author had included photographs or drawings of some of the ingredients, especially those that may be unfamiliar to most. The most comprehensive handbook for substituting ingredients, including exotic and unique ones, The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is a reference book that would be ideal for those readers who like to adapt recipes to their own eating preferences.
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is an A to Z reference guide, as food items are listed in alphabetical order. In order to allow all eaters to benefit from this book, the author has included, where applicable, low-sugar, low-salt, gluten-free, low-fat, lactose-free, and vegan options as substitutions.
I particularly liked when recipes for making your own ingredient were included, such as the recipes for Almond Butter and Almond Milk. I also liked how precise the substitutions were, with exact proportions given. I do wish that the author had included photographs or drawings of some of the ingredients, especially those that may be unfamiliar to most. The most comprehensive handbook for substituting ingredients, including exotic and unique ones, The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is a reference book that would be ideal for those readers who like to adapt recipes to their own eating preferences.
December 27, 2018
Jean B. MacLeod is a genius. The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook has a solution for most recipes you will find online. If you do any cooking, you will find this a good addition to your cookbooks, or ebook for quick referral as you are looking up recipes or forgot an ingredient for a family favorite. You find that Jean MacLeod has done her research with thousands of items you would find in a recipe, but she has hundreds of references in the Bibliography in the back of this handbook.
I found The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook a very useful tool as I struggle to find items in my local grocery store. Jean MacLeod is very impressive with the time she put in compiling this list. I loved how she also told us about classifying uncommon foods, for example: toulouse (small French pork sausage), or touloumotyri (Greek moist white goat cheese). Overall, I enjoyed this book and feel it will give me more confidence while looking up recipes. I liked the author’s direct approach to giving out information and will look into other books written by her.
I found The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook a very useful tool as I struggle to find items in my local grocery store. Jean MacLeod is very impressive with the time she put in compiling this list. I loved how she also told us about classifying uncommon foods, for example: toulouse (small French pork sausage), or touloumotyri (Greek moist white goat cheese). Overall, I enjoyed this book and feel it will give me more confidence while looking up recipes. I liked the author’s direct approach to giving out information and will look into other books written by her.
December 31, 2018
I like cooking and in years past I have moved on from novice to intermediate cook. One may say I have come a long way since I caused the evacuation of my college dorm after forgetting to put water in microwavable Kraft Mac ‘n’ Cheese and setting the smoke alarms off. But fast forward a few years, and I am wandering around the store wondering what the heck is “canela?” I though it was a bone or something to do with ears? Or is it an oil? Why didn’t my mom teach me this? What isle would it live in? At least I’m getting my steps in as I hunt for this mysterious ear related oil. Turns out it’s cinnamon.
If you like to cook - whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned chef - I recommend The Complete Food Substituiton Handbook. MacLeod is delightfully thorough. I have already used this quite a few times over the holidays. It’s been esepcially helpful. When I didn’t have citrus oil I learned grating a lemon or using citrus extract would work well enough. This book is a great addition to any kitchen!
If you like to cook - whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned chef - I recommend The Complete Food Substituiton Handbook. MacLeod is delightfully thorough. I have already used this quite a few times over the holidays. It’s been esepcially helpful. When I didn’t have citrus oil I learned grating a lemon or using citrus extract would work well enough. This book is a great addition to any kitchen!
March 30, 2019
If you are looking for an ingredient substitute that is NOT included in this book, I'm not sure what it could be. The author has included everything from substitutions for different cuts of beef to jackfruit - not to mention tons of different butter substitution options. Does your recipe call for jalapeño jelly, hummus, brazil nut butter or truffle butter? Well, the author has included recipes for these and many other items. Did you run out of dark brown sugar or decorating sugar? Does your recipe call for demerara sugar (what the heck is demerara sugar anyway?) or turbinado sugar? Have you been watching The Great British Baking Show and can't find any golden baking sugar? Fear not, this book has literally pages upon pages of sugar substitutions!
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is sorted alphabetically, making it is very easy to find any ingredient that you may be in search of. A very complete bibliography is included at the end for reference. I'm planning to hit the bookstore to check out her other titles. A fantastic reference guide for any kitchen. 5 stars!
(NetGalley ebook - I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is sorted alphabetically, making it is very easy to find any ingredient that you may be in search of. A very complete bibliography is included at the end for reference. I'm planning to hit the bookstore to check out her other titles. A fantastic reference guide for any kitchen. 5 stars!
(NetGalley ebook - I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
January 16, 2026
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook is an impressively thorough and practical reference that earns its place as a true kitchen essential. Jean B. MacLeod has created more than a substitutions list, this is a problem-solving guide for cooks navigating dietary restrictions, ingredient shortages, budget considerations, or creative experimentation.
What stands out most is the book’s breadth and usability. The A–Z format makes it easy to find answers quickly, while the range of substitutions, covering low-sugar, low-fat, low-salt, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan needs, ensures the book is relevant to a wide audience. Importantly, the suggestions are grounded in functionality, helping readers choose substitutions that preserve both flavor and structure, not just convenience.
This handbook succeeds because it respects the realities of cooking: that the right substitution can determine whether a recipe succeeds or fails. It’s a resource readers will return to repeatedly, whether they’re seasoned cooks or beginners learning how to adapt recipes with confidence.
What stands out most is the book’s breadth and usability. The A–Z format makes it easy to find answers quickly, while the range of substitutions, covering low-sugar, low-fat, low-salt, gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan needs, ensures the book is relevant to a wide audience. Importantly, the suggestions are grounded in functionality, helping readers choose substitutions that preserve both flavor and structure, not just convenience.
This handbook succeeds because it respects the realities of cooking: that the right substitution can determine whether a recipe succeeds or fails. It’s a resource readers will return to repeatedly, whether they’re seasoned cooks or beginners learning how to adapt recipes with confidence.
December 2, 2018
Did you know there are (at least) seven substitutes for arrowroot powder in a recipe? (Do you even know what arrowroot is?) Do you know what to sub in if you realize too late that you're out of turmeric or paprika? Do you know 11 soup thickeners and seven gravy browners? Do you want to know how to make your own ketchup, vanilla extract, water purification tablets, hemp milk, or Magic Shell-style ice cream topping? Well you will know all these things if you get this book.
This is indeed the COMPLETE food substitutions handbook. Every ingredient I could think of was covered in this book and I had never even heard of at least a third of the items because they're used in cuisines with which I am not familiar. The book is just an alphabetical list. No chapters about cooking techniques or blog-like stories about the author's favorite recipes. None of that. Just an incredibly comprehensive alphabetical list that satisfies the title's promise.
This is indeed the COMPLETE food substitutions handbook. Every ingredient I could think of was covered in this book and I had never even heard of at least a third of the items because they're used in cuisines with which I am not familiar. The book is just an alphabetical list. No chapters about cooking techniques or blog-like stories about the author's favorite recipes. None of that. Just an incredibly comprehensive alphabetical list that satisfies the title's promise.
December 15, 2018
This is exactly the book I never knew I needed. I'm a student and often living on a relatively tight budget - I love to cook new and exciting things, but I'm rarely able to delve into recipe books as there are so often ingredients required that I would use once and never again - making them ridiculously unaffordable when cooking for one.
If you have ever ruled out a recipe because of that one expensive or hard-to-find ingredient on the list, then absolutely buy this book. It has everything - and I mean everything. There's not a food you'll need that you can't find in here, and all of the substitutions are simply explained in this book. It really has opened up a whole world of culinary possibility for me, and I now see it as a kitchen must-have for people of all walks of life, whatever your level of expertise.
Aside from all that, it's also simply laid out and very well written. I really can't find fault with this book at all.
If you have ever ruled out a recipe because of that one expensive or hard-to-find ingredient on the list, then absolutely buy this book. It has everything - and I mean everything. There's not a food you'll need that you can't find in here, and all of the substitutions are simply explained in this book. It really has opened up a whole world of culinary possibility for me, and I now see it as a kitchen must-have for people of all walks of life, whatever your level of expertise.
Aside from all that, it's also simply laid out and very well written. I really can't find fault with this book at all.
December 16, 2018
Ever read a recipe that sounds just perfect for tonight's dinner, only to find you're missing that one key ingredient...and there's no time to run to the shop? Reach for this brilliant compendium and find not one, but even several substitutes you can use. Perhaps even more useful is the fact that this comprehensive and alphabetically organized guide even contains recipes for making your own version of say, Greek yogurt, or green tea ice cream or a multitude of delicious sauces and seasonings. And folks who are trying to follow a gluten-free or keto diet or who might be lactose intolerant will be delighted with the alternatives the author suggests.
Going by the bibliography supplied, Jean B. MacLeod has obviously done extensive research for this book. About the only complaint I have is that many of the alphabetical index hyperlinks in the digital kindle version don't work. But don't worry: you'll still be able to find all you need and much, much more!
Going by the bibliography supplied, Jean B. MacLeod has obviously done extensive research for this book. About the only complaint I have is that many of the alphabetical index hyperlinks in the digital kindle version don't work. But don't worry: you'll still be able to find all you need and much, much more!
December 25, 2018
I don’t know how many times I’ve googled substitutions for foods in a given recipe because I was missing something. This book helps me in that I no longer have to wait for a signal or a slow phone. I can just open the book and search alphabetically which ingredient I do not have on hand. One of the things that is good in this book is that it gives you different measurements for the most common things. So, for example, it gives you a substitution of 1 teaspoon or 1 cup. This helps with different recipe amounts. It also gives you directions on how to make your own ingredients for example how to make coconut chips, coconut milk, fish batter mix or even Mascarpone (an Italian cream cheese). This is a very extensive list, covering ingredients from Arabic to Chinese cooking and anything in between. Even some recipes I have from my husband’s home country, Somalia have ingredients I need to substitute, and I have found the spices and their substitutions in this book.
January 9, 2019
The Complete Food Substitutions Handbook: Including Options for Low Sugar, Low-Fat, Low-Salt, Gluten-Free, Lactose Free and Vegan by Jean B MacLeod is a very useful book. Have you ever looked at a recipe and either wondered what an ingredient is or what to use as a substitute, as you don't have it in? This book helps answer these questions.
Coming from the UK a lot of the time US recipes have different ingredients to what we have here.
However with the help of this book it makes it easier to find something you can use instead. I also found it interesting to see different options possible for either a normal diet, if a healthier option or vegan equivalent. I honestly feel it's something that will give you the money back you've spent on it, in no time. Not only that but you will always go back to again and again.
All in all this is an extremely useful book that I'll be sure to recommend.
Coming from the UK a lot of the time US recipes have different ingredients to what we have here.
However with the help of this book it makes it easier to find something you can use instead. I also found it interesting to see different options possible for either a normal diet, if a healthier option or vegan equivalent. I honestly feel it's something that will give you the money back you've spent on it, in no time. Not only that but you will always go back to again and again.
All in all this is an extremely useful book that I'll be sure to recommend.
December 24, 2018
This book is a must for everyone who loves to cook! I love to bake and find it increasingly harder to cook nowadays, taking into consideration all the intolerances, allergies and health trends that pop-up.
The Complete Food Substitution Handbook is an easy to follow guide with valuable information regarding ingredients. There are even some ingredients I’ve never heard of, so I’m guessing everyone needs are covered within this book. The author also did a very good job in organizing and using a simple, straightforward style. The book is even in alphabetical order so everything is simpler and straight to the point. This is the book to have in your kitchen or to offer to your friend who is a wannabe chef. I’m sure that everyone who has an interest in cooking will be delighted with the book.
The Complete Food Substitution Handbook is an easy to follow guide with valuable information regarding ingredients. There are even some ingredients I’ve never heard of, so I’m guessing everyone needs are covered within this book. The author also did a very good job in organizing and using a simple, straightforward style. The book is even in alphabetical order so everything is simpler and straight to the point. This is the book to have in your kitchen or to offer to your friend who is a wannabe chef. I’m sure that everyone who has an interest in cooking will be delighted with the book.
January 5, 2019
Great reading! Food is in third place after air and water for people. Although we can live without food for about a week, but for almost everyone, eating tasty is the “key” to a good mood. It is not a secret to anyone that steam nutrition is the key to our health and well-being. It is necessary to eat low-fat food and at the same time delicious.
For me as a fan of cooking, this book seemed very interesting and useful, as I learned a lot of useful information. I love to cook tasty and healthy food for my family, and this book helped me in this.
By the way, how not to trust such a professional in his business as Jean B. MacLeod. She is a member of the Culinary Historians of Southern California and Slow Food USA. In the book you can find rare and interesting recipes, as well as for those who suffer from allergies.
I recommend everyone for whom this is a hobby or a profession.
For me as a fan of cooking, this book seemed very interesting and useful, as I learned a lot of useful information. I love to cook tasty and healthy food for my family, and this book helped me in this.
By the way, how not to trust such a professional in his business as Jean B. MacLeod. She is a member of the Culinary Historians of Southern California and Slow Food USA. In the book you can find rare and interesting recipes, as well as for those who suffer from allergies.
I recommend everyone for whom this is a hobby or a profession.
January 18, 2019
For me, this book is the bible of the modern diet. Through a complete and a stunning collection of delicious recipes, the author offered me the great occasion to learn cooking in a different way. But, the most important thing is that the handbook made me discover a healthy and pleasurable way to eat, without to feel the stomach pain caused by gluten sensitivity, saturated fats and milk. I prepared only the recipes I liked the most , seasoned with organic ingredients and able to challenge the common dishes we eat every day. Thanks to this handbook, you are not forced to renounce to taste, but you learn that the taste can be created with other unusual, especially vegan, low fat and low sugar, ingredients.
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