Substitutions Bible’ saves shopping

Pick up the new book from David Joachim and say goodbye to those emergency trips to the grocery store.

“The Food Substitutions Bible” includes suggestions for almost any missing ingredient or kitchen equipment shortcoming. There are 5,000 entries, from abalone to zwieback.

If anyone, Joachim should know how to make things work in a pinch. He’s written, edited or collaborated on more than 25 cookbooks, including the “A Man, a Can…” series.

The new book was recently nominated for an International Association of Culinary Professionals award, which acknowledges excellence in cookbook publishing.

Don’t have a double boiler? Try using a stainless steel bowl over a pan of simmering water or use the microwave or a preheated oven, Joachim says. If you don’t have a food processor, use the blender (but not for dough and batter).

The “bible” also includes reference charts of common measurement equivalents, temperature conversions and ingredient guides for choosing different varieties of foods. There are charts for apples, beans, olives, mushrooms, potatoes, chilies and even edible flowers.

Here is Joachim’s substitution for taco seasoning mix. Why buy another Taco Bell Seasoning packet?

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

If you run out of taco seasoning mix, substitute this homemade mix tablespoon for tablespoon. A 1 1/4-ounce package of seasoning is equal to about 1/4 cup of mix. From “The Food Substitutions Bible,” by David Joachim.

Combine 2 teaspoons pure chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon onion powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Add salt to taste.

Yield: About 1 tablespoon