Make your own brown sugar

So easy. Very yummy.

2 cups sugar
1/3 cup molasses

Mix together using a mixer. If you're using a Kitchen Aid sort of thing, it won't take long. If your using a hand mixer, like me, it'll take a little while.

Use a little less if you want light brown sugar, or a little more if you need dark brown sugar.

Now go impress everyone ;)

Substitutions

I never buy pumkin pie spice because I can make my own with the spices that I already have. I found this a few years ago, and love it!

Pumkin Pie Spice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

Here's one for apple pie spice. I've never needed to use this one, but thought someone might like it.

Apple Pie Spice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. allspice
dash of ginger

Here are some other random substitutions:

Baking Powder, 1 teaspoon
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar plus 1/4 tsp baking soda

Balsamic Vinegar, 1 tablespoon
1 Tbs. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus 1/2 tsp. sugar

Buttermilk, 1 cup
1 Tbs. lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to equal 1 cup
Let stand 5 minutes before using.
or 1 cup plain yogurt

Flour, self-rising, 1 cup
1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Half-and-Half or Light Cream, 1 cup
1 Tbs. melted butter or margarine plus enough whole milk to make 1 cup

Tomato Sauce
3/4 cup tomato paste plus 1 cup water

Mustard, dry, 1 teaspoon
1 Tbs. yellow mustard

Allspice
cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves

Cajon seasoning, 1 tablespoon
1/2 tsp. white pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. red pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Poultry Seasoning, 1 tablespoon
3/4 tsp. dried sage
1/4 tsp. dried thyme