Every well-stocked kitchen cupboard is guaranteed to have the essential, everyday items that keep your kitchen functioning like clockwork. They are the staple items that you can grab in the middle of cooking dinner or baking a dessert, to complete the dish.
Sometimes, however, these items unexpectedly finish and run out quicker than anticipated, and you are suddenly left without that essential item or necessary ingredient to keep your cooking going.
Well, no need to panic, as we are here to spill some must-know home secrets and guide you through five kitchen cupboard essentials that you can make yourself in the comfort of your own kitchen. That’s right, gone are the days of racing to the local supermarket to buy whatever is left on the shelf, these kitchen hacks are sure to save your day (and dish!)
1. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is an absolute must in the majority of baking recipes, as it gives the mixture and the end product a kick of sweetness. There are, however, several vanilla extract substitutes that can be used if you’re all out of this ingredient, including; maple syrup, almond extract, rum or brandy, and vanilla essence or vanilla powder. These all work as a great substitute in baking recipes. If you are after the original and want to stick to using vanilla extract, then it is possible to make it at home. It is simple and straightforward, needing only two ingredients, but it does require a lot of time of patience, as it can take the vanilla beans and alcohol up to a month to diffuse together.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in the kitchen as it has several uses and functions in cooking. It is used for frying, oven cooking, and as a garnish for salads and other foods. A bottle of olive oil is usually always found in any fully-stocked kitchen, but on the rare occasion of it not being there, all it takes is a handful of olives and some hot water to make the stuff.
3. Oat Milk
Oat milk is a fantastic substitute for regular milk (which can unexpectedly run out very quickly) and has so many great nutritional benefits to it. It is a dairy & cholesterol-free, low-calorie option that is super quick and easy to make at home. All you need are some spare oats that have been lying around in your cupboard and some hot water!
4. Vinegar
Nothing beats a dash of vinegar on your freshly made oven chips, but imagine reaching for some of the good stuff only for the bottle to have finished! Well, it is another cupboard stable that is simple to make at home and only requires a few ingredients too. All you need is a bottle of red wine and some apple cider vinegar.
5. Tomato Ketchup
The final staple that is super quick and easy to make is the beloved tomato ketchup. It is a condiment that completes so many meals and a dipping sauce that is usually found on the majority of dinner tables. Shop bought tomato ketchup can contain ingredients and preservatives that many people would like to avoid. Making the sauce at home can prove to be a much healthier and cheaper option. It is made from stable ingredients that can be found in your kitchen, including; canned tomatoes, onions, olive oil, and brown sugar.