It's happened to the best of us: You excitedly begin a recipe only to find that you're missing an ingredient. Don't scrap your recipe just yet! Chances are that you have an adequate substitute on hand. Here are three common substitutions that can prevent the hassle of last-minute runs to the grocery store.

If you're missing oil or butter:
Try applesauce in place of oil or butter. This sub-in works wonderfully in quick bread recipes (like banana bread), as it adds moistness to the bread. Mashed avocado and bananas can also be subbed for oil and butter.

If you're missing eggs:
These substitutes can replace one large egg: 1/4 cup pureed silken tofu; 2 egg whites; half a banana mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 2 egg yolks plus 1 tablespoon water (best used in cookie or bar recipes).

If you're missing sour cream or mayo:
Greek yogurt rivals the creamy flavor of sour cream and mayo, and bonus: It's lower in fat and calories! In some cases, Greek yogurt can be substituted for buttermilk or cream cheese.

Common Ingredient Substitutions [AllRecipes]
Emergency Substitutions [Betty Crocker]
Top 10 Food Substitutions for Healthier Cooking [TLC]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Dinner Series

Tonelli’s is your go-to spot when you want some tasty Italian fare in a speedy takeout or delivery setting. If a giant, sizzling hot pizza is calling your name, call in your order and they’ll have it ready for pick up, or delivery. Favorite specialty pizzas include the Great White Pie with garlic, olive oil, parmesan & extra mozzarella, the Great White Veggie with garlic, roasted peppers, tomato, broccoli, spinach & mushroom, the Works with pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, extra cheese and your choice of red sauce or ricotta, and the Cheese Steak with beef or chicken steak with sauce, American cheese & mozzarella. A nice selection of pasta dishes, sandwiches and calzones is also on the menu. Open every day.

Tonelli's
435 Germantown Pike
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
(610) 825-8500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tonellis-takeout-lafayette-hill

Always wanted to race a Porsche or Ferrari at top speed around a racetrack? Head to Main Line Hobbies, where you can unleash your inner Mario Andretti or Danica Patrick in a fun, safe setting. If you’re unfamiliar with the sport, slot cars are small race cars operated by remote control on an indoor track. They’re perfect for all ages, from kids to adults. Rent a car – or bring your own – and varoom around one of their four giant tracks. It’s perfect for a birthday party, office party or other special event. They also have a complete line of cars and parts for hobbyists and slot car aficionados. See their website for a schedule of special racing events. Open every day.

Main Line Hobbies
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 West Germantown Pike, Ste 2085
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 834-1600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/main-line-hobbies-plymouth-meeting