Ingredient Replacements?

Question

I'm looking for ingredient replacements for the following items:

Lets use 1 Tbsp as a measuring device! Please list what you would use as a replacment and the ratio for each

For the life of me I just can't seem to find any of these in my local grocery store...believe me I've looked very hard!

1) Almond Powder
2) Cellophane Noodles
3) Filé Powder
4) Spanish Onion
5) Spiced Onions
6) Truffles (Not the chocolate, the fungus!)

Answer 1

1) As has been said- blenderize some Almonds
2) Any thin rice based Oriental noodle or (worst case) vermicelli or thin spaghetti.
3) File is powdered Sassafras-most stores have it by McCormick, if not just leave it out.
4) That's another name for Yellow onions
5) Sometimes sold as cocktail onions
6) Upmarket stores only! Like the file there isn't a good replacement.

If you run a web search for any of these items you'll find bazillions of e-tailers ready to ship them to you! Have you asked your local grocers to get the items for you?

Answer 2

You need to go to a gourmet grocery store or at least a larger one that has a gourmet section. Also try your local Mexican Grocery and/or Asian Grocery for a couple of those things.If you live in a smaller town you might need to drive to the nearest big city. If not look on-line and order them. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Did you try your local health-food store? They often have a good selection of ethnic/unusual/interesting ingredients.

Answer 4

1. get slivered almonds and chop chop chop
2. bean thread noodles or pad thai
3. hmmm if it's for gumbo, use okra
4.white, yellow, green depending on the recipe maybe shallots
5.cocktail onions
6. shitake? I don't know, I don't eat fungus.