pantry

Cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, and cloves arranged in small bowls

Cinnamon Substitute

May 1, 2026June 13, 2026ting

The best cinnamon substitute depends on the recipe. Pumpkin pie spice, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and cloves can all work in different amounts.

Whole cloves with bowls of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and warm spice blends on a wooden board

Cloves Substitute

March 30, 2026June 14, 2026ting

The best cloves substitute is usually allspice for a single spice swap. Cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cardamom, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice can also work by recipe.

A bottle of sesame oil beside a bowl of sesame seeds on a wooden kitchen surface

Best Substitutes for Sesame Oil

March 24, 2026June 14, 2026tingLeave a Comment

The best sesame oil substitute depends on the recipe. Use a neutral oil for cooking fat, toasted seeds for sesame aroma, or peanut or walnut oil when a nutty finish fits.

Small glass carafes of amber and pale cooking liquids with lemon, onion, and dressing ingredients on a kitchen counter

Substitute for Shaoxing Wine

March 21, 2026June 14, 2026ting

Dry sherry is usually the closest easy substitute for Shaoxing wine in savory cooking. Sake, mirin, rice wine, or broth based swaps can also work by recipe.

Dry chia seeds spilling from a clear jar onto a white surface

Can You Eat Chia Seeds Dry? Safer Ways to Use Them

February 7, 2026June 11, 2026tingLeave a Comment

Dry chia seeds can be eaten in small amounts when mixed into foods, but they absorb liquid quickly. Avoid swallowing dry spoonfuls, especially if swallowing is difficult.

Open jar of dark molasses with a spoon lifting syrup over a small bowl beside brown sugar and baking ingredients

Does Molasses Go Bad?

December 28, 2025June 13, 2026ting

Yes, molasses can go bad. Keep it tightly covered, use clean utensils, and discard it if you see mold, smell fermentation, or notice gas pressure.

Stock Concentrate

September 21, 2025June 15, 2026ting

Stock concentrate is a reduced broth, paste, cube, or gel used to add savory flavor quickly to soups, sauces, grains, and pan dishes.

Chia seeds in liquid with a spoon and a bowl of dry seeds in the background

How Long Do Chia Seeds Last? Storage and Spoilage Signs

September 6, 2025June 11, 2026ting

Dry chia seeds last longest when kept sealed, cool, dark, and dry. Use the package date for quality, and discard seeds that smell rancid, moldy, wet, or infested.