Non-dairy substitutions
Does anyone have experience or suggestions regarding substitutions for the following ingredients when trying to convert a recipe to be non-dairy
milk (soy milk, rice milk, almond milk?)
non-fat dry milk powder (soy beverage powder exists, is it a reasonable substitute?)
Whey powder (can the soy powder substitute?)
buttermilk (soy milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar, what proportions?)
butter (margerine--brands to suggest or stay away from? shortening--again, brands to stay away from or recommend? When can I use oil rather than shortenings that may contain less healthy hydrogenated fats?)
Sour cream (tofutti's better than sour cream is the only one I know of; are there others? Does this work?)
Yogurt (I have seen a few soy-based yogurts in the health food store--anyone bake with them?)
Thanks for any suggestions.