Cream of Chicken/Mushroom Soup Substitute

These easy to make Cream of Soup substitutes are the only thing I use anymore.  I have yet to find a recipe that it doesn't work in.  It saves me money and space.  A few more minutes of time is all it takes compared to opening up a can.  Not to mention you get to control everything that goes into it!

Cream of Chicken Substitute

Recipe modified from A Matter of Preparedness

3 c. powdered milk (both instant or non-fat work great)
1 c. + 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
18 chicken bouillon cubes
3 Tbsp. dehydrated onion flakes
1 1/2 Tbsp. basil
1 1/2 Tbsp. thyme
3/4 tsp. pepper
2/3 c. freeze dried chicken dices, optional

In a food processor, combine bouillon cubes, onion flakes, basil, thyme, and pepper; pulse until smooth.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Store in an airtight container.

To use:
Mix 1/2 c. soup mixture with 1 1/2 c. water in a saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Replace in any recipe for 1 can of condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.

Cream of Mushroom Substitute

Follow directions for cream of chicken substitute above, only:

replace chicken bouillon with beef bouillon

replace freeze dried chicken with freeze dried mushrooms

Sweetened Condensed Milk

I end up buying this most of the time at the store - but I still like to have a recipe on hand in case I'm out.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

Recipe from Lyn Denna

1 c. hot water

2 c. sugar

4 c. Instant powdered milk

1/4 c. butter, melted

Blend in blender very well.

Yields equivalent to 2 cans plus 1/2 cup.

Seasoned Salt

Seasoned Salt

Recipe from Lyn Denna

1 c. Table Salt

2 Tbsp. Paprika

1 tsp. Chives

1 tsp. Pepper

1/2 tsp. Marjoram

1 tsp. Parsley

1/2 t. Celery Seed

1/2 tsp. Curry Powder

1/2 tsp. Chili Powder

1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Mix in blender.

Lipton Onion Soup Mix (Dry)

This is a good substitute to use in recipes - and a lot cheaper than the prepackaged stuff.



Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Recipe from cdKitchen

1/4 c. dehydrated onions

2 tsp. beef bouillon

1/2 tsp. onion powder

Combine all ingredients together.

Equivalent to 1 package soup mix.

Vanilla Pudding

For some reason I feel an intense desire to have a recipe for everything so I can make it from scratch.

So... just in case you run out of pudding box mixes, give this a try.

It is an excellent substitute.

Vanilla Pudding
1 1/2 c. pudding mix (see recipe below)
2 1/2 c. water
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

In a sauce pan add pudding mix, water and egg.
Cook until mixture starts to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla; stirring to combine.
Put into cups/molds and refrigerate until cooled.

Pudding Mix:
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 1/2 c. powdered milk
3/4 c. corn starch
1 tsp. salt

Mix together and store in a sealed container until needed.

Garlic Bead Seasoning

Garlic Bread Seasoning

Recipe from Our Best Bites

1/2 c. powdered Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. Kosher salt
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. basil
2 tsp. marjoram
2 tsp. parsley
Combine ingredients in a jar (preferably one with a sprinkle top) and shake until well combined.

Sprinkle on top of breadsticks or combine 1 1/2 Tbsp. seasoning with 1/2 c. of softened real butter and spread on a loaf of French bread.

Or use to season mashed potatoes!

Steak Fajita's

I love fajita's.

It is a regular go to when we have left over meat.

Steak, chicken, roast, pork... we've used it all, and it is always delicious!

Steak Fajitas

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 lb. cooked steak meat (or other leftover meat), sliced thin

1 green bell pepper, sliced thin and cut in half

1 red/orange/yellow bell pepper, sliced thin and cut in half

1 small yellow or red onion, sliced thin

1 pkg. fajita seasoning mix (or you can make your own using the recipe below).

1-2 Tbsp. water

Heat oil over medium heat.

Add onions and cook for 2 minutes.

Add peppers and meat, cooking until peppers are crisp and meat is heated through.

Sprinkle with seasoning mix.

Add water and stir to combine.

Cook a few more minutes until sauce thickens.

Serve with tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Fajita Seasoning Mix

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. hili powder

1 tsp. sugar

1 chicken or beef bouillon cube, crushed

Mix all ingredients.

Store in an airtight container until needed.

2 Tbsp. = 1 regular seasoning packet

Bisquick Mix

I never buy Bisquick, but I will sometimes find a recipe that calls for it.  This is a great substitute.

Bisquick Mix
8 c. flour, sifted
1/4 c. baking powder
4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. shortening

Mix ingredients with mixer until well blended, or cut in shortening with a pastry cutter or fork.

Herbs De Provence

I know you can buy this spice already made, but I always have all of the spices, so I make it myself. 
I love this spice mix on roasted vegetables, in hamburger patties, and pretty much everything else.

HERBS DE PROVENCE
Equal parts of the following DRIED herbs:
savory
rosemary
thyme
oregano
basil
marjoram
fennel seed
lavender

Parmesan Crusted Oven Fries

Parmesan Crusted Oven Fries
6 small/medium baking potatoes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 c. Roasted Parmesan Spice Mix (recipe below)

Wash and wedge potatoes.  Place in large bowl.  Pour oil over potatoes.  Cover bowl with lid and shake to coat evenly.  Add spice mix to bowl and shake again.  Place fries on foil lined baking sheet and cook at 475 for 25 minutes, turning once.  Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Roasted Parmesan Spice Mix
3 Tbsp. parmesan cheese
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. dried parsley
½ tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. cayenne or red pepper

Combine all ingredients.  Keep refrigerated. 
This spice mix works great for fries, hash browns, chicken, etc.