Cheating Chef--Peppermint Choc Chip Icecream

I don't know how many times I've been silly enough not to re-read through a recipe..and come to the stage where I realise I don't have one of the ingredients! I'm sure a lot of people have been in the same boat, so I just wanted to share a few handy tips for making substitutes so the batter you're half way through making doesn't go to waste!

Replacements for EGGS:

1/4 cup of tofu will replace 1 egg
or 2 tbsp water mixed with 1 tbsp oil and 2 tbsp baking power
or mashed banana
or apple sauce
or a blob of egg mayonnaise


Replacement for SELF RAISING FLOUR:

2 tbsp baking powder mixed into 1 cup plain flour

Replacement for CORNFLOUR or CORNSTARCH:

2 tbsp flour will replace 1 tbsp cornflour
or 2tbsp instant tapioca
or 1 tbsp arrowroot

Replacement for CREAM OF TARTAR:

1/2 tsp lemon juice will replace 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
or 1/2 tsp vinegar


Replacement for SOUR CREAM or BUTTERMILK:

1 cup plain yogurt will replace 1 cup sour cream
or 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice combined with 1 cup milk (stand for 10-15 minutes)


Replacement for SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK:

1 cup instant dry nonfat milk powder, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup boiling water, and 3 tbsp melted butter, processed in food blender until smooth. (Makes same amount as one can)

Replacement for CASTER SUGAR:

1 cup white granulated sugar ground in food processor makes 1 cup of caster sugar.

Replacement for  WHITE VINEGAR:

1/3 cup lemon juice is a good substitute for 1/4 cup white vinegar.

Now here's my cheats recipe for the day:

CHEATS PEPPERMINT CHOC CHIP ICE CREAM

1 litre vanilla ice cream
1 cup mini choc chips
2 tbsp. green food colouring
1-2 tbsp peppermint essence

Remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and leave to thaw until it begins to go sloppy. Stir through the colouring, choc chips and enough peppermint essence to suit your tastes. Combine thoroughly and return to the freezer until reset.

NOTES: measurements for colouring and flavouring are estimates only. Adjust to your own tastes.

Some other cheats ice cream ideas: 

Run a swirl of your favourite jam through vanilla ice cream for a fancier alternative.
Combine your favourite liqueur with vanilla ice cream. How good does Bailey's Irish Cream ice cream sound?
Rocky road ice cream--mix chopped marshmallows, chocolate, nuts and broken cherry ripe chocolate bars through vanilla ice cream for something a bit different!

Go nuts!