Friday, October 31, 2008

Baking Powder- Stuff to Know

Baking Powder is a leavening agent that consists of a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and a moisture absorber (like cornstarch).

It has the action of yeast but it acts much more quickly. It's used in batters where there is no acid present. such as many baked goods: cookies, cakes, pastries, pies, quick bread, etc.

Make Your Own Baking Powder:
If you have run out of baking powder you may be able to
make a substitution by using the following:
For one teaspoon baking powder = mix 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
Use immediately.

Why does it matter which Baking Powder you use?
Some have added aluminum, some don't.
It is easy to find out which ones don't by reading the label... but if you just want to know, I will tell you:

RUMFORD brand is the only one I have found in our area, that DOES NOT have ALUMINUM in it. Ironically, it is owned by the same company that makes another popular baking powder that DOES have it: CLABBER GIRL ! Read here as to why you may WANT TO AVOID ADDED ALUMINUM in your diet.




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