No, it is not recommended to swap sugar and salt or make other significant ingredient substitutions without proper knowledge and understanding of their effects on the recipe. Swapping these ingredients can significantly alter the taste, texture, and overall outcome of the dish.
Sugar and salt serve different purposes in baking and cooking. Sugar adds sweetness, moisture, tenderness, and helps with browning, while salt enhances flavors and balances sweetness. Swapping them can result in a dish that is overly salty or lacks the desired sweetness.
Similarly, self-rising flour (SR flour) contains a leavening agent such as baking powder, while all-purpose flour does not. If you swap them, the leavening effect may be compromised, affecting the rise and texture of the baked goods.
It's important to follow recipes as closely as possible, especially when house sitting and using someone else's kitchen. Altering ingredients without proper knowledge or consent could lead to disappointing or unsuccessful results. If you're unsure or want to make substitutions, it's better to consult the recipe owner or find a suitable alternative recipe that fits the ingredients you have available.