Cashew Mac & Cheese

Whole Wheat Pasta

Semolina pasta less fibre, same timingGluten-free pasta follow the box; timings vary widely and it overcooks fast

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Butter 1:1 for cooking; browns at a lower temperature, and it sets solid once coldRefined olive oil higher smoke point, less flavorAvocado oil neutral, very high smoke point

Red Onion

Yellow onion milder cooked, none of the anthocyaninsWhite onion sharper raw, none of the anthocyaninsShallots sweeter and finer; about 3 small per onion

Cashews

Blanched slivered almonds soak longer; slightly grainier when blendedRaw sunflower seeds nut-free, but blends grey-green

Soy Milk

Fortified soy milk same milk with added calcium, D and B12 — the trade is a longer ingredient listDairy milk 1:1; the closest match for protein and bodyOat milk creamier and sweeter, about a third the proteinAlmond milk thinner, with almost no protein

Russet Potatoes

Yukon Gold creamier mash, keeps 4–6 weeks against russet's 2 monthsRed potatoes waxy; hold their shape, mash less fluffyCreamer potatoes waxy and small; no peeling, quicker to cookFingerling potatoes waxy; best roasted, poor for mash

Carrots

Baby carrots no peeling, more per poundFrozen sliced carrots softer; won't roast

Nutritional Yeast

Grated parmesan similar savory depth, saltier; none of the fortified B12, which is most of why this item is here

Garlic

Fresh cloves 1 tsp jarred = 1 clove

Apple Cider Vinegar

White wine vinegar 1:1, cleaner and less fruityDistilled white vinegar sharper; use slightly less

Red Pepper Flakes

Cayenne about ⅓ the amount, and no flecksGochugaru milder and fruitier

Sea Salt

Kosher salt coarser, so more by volume; the ratio depends on the brandTable salt finer and denser; use about ¾ by volume

No close substitute for Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and Turmeric.