When a recipe calls for half-and-half cream, what can you use in place of it if you don’t keep half-and-half cream on hand? —S.H., Clear Spring, Maryland

For dishes that are cooked or baked, you may substitute 4-1/2 teaspoons melted butter plus enough whole milk to equal 1 cup. One cup of evaporated milk may also be substituted for each cup of half-and-half cream. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to baking substitutes. You can also learn about creating a milk substitute or a cream cheese substitute.