Baking Powder

What is baking powder and how to use it

One thing to come out of COVID-19 is that more of us have been looking at the baking aisle. Many thinking what the heck is …. for. Starting with baking powder and then going onto bicarbonate of soda and then cream of tartar. What are they for and how do we use them.

Baking powder is a raising agent. Normally used when making cakes. It is made from bicarbonate of soda and cream of tartar. When these ingredients are mixed, and the powder is activated by adding moisture, carbon dioxide filled bubbles are produced which makes the mixture expand.

Did you know that self-raising flour is made from plain flour combined with a small amount of baking powder?

Storage

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Because moisture activates Baking powder it is important to keep it dry till you use it. Once you open a packet, moisture in the air starts it working and it gradually loses its “fizz”. After a few months, it no longer works

Recipes

To make baking powder, combine half a teaspoon of cream of tartar and a quarter teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. This provides the equivalent of one teaspoon of baking powder.

To make self-raising flour add two teaspoons to 150g plain flour

Scones often have a baking powder taste. That’s because there is either too much baking powder in the mix, or because they have not been fully baked… or a bit of both. The reaction has to last long enough to use all the baking powder otherwise you will taste the residue so measure carefully.

Use baking powder in recipes such as Biscuits and Gravy, Spinach Waffles, Courgette Tea Loaf.

Find out all about what bicarbonate of soda is and how to use it here.

Find out about what cream of tartar is and how to use it here

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