def find_item_by_key_in_list(item, key, list_to_search, empty_item={}):
    """
    Find an item in a list by its key.

    :param item: the item we're looking for
    :param key: the key by which the item can be identified
    :param list_to_search: list of items
    :param empty_item: is returned when the item could not be found
    :return:
    """
    for list_item in list_to_search:
        if list_item.get(key) == item:
            return list_item
    return empty_item