Baking powder is like a tiny team of helpers in your kitchen! It gives your dough and batter a lift, making them light and fluffy. It's made of a clever combination of friends: baking soda, an acid , and a little bit of starch.
There are two kinds of baking powder teams: the "one-step crew" who fizz right away when they meet water, and the "double-trouble twins" who release some bubbles then save the rest for the oven's warmth. Most recipes love the double-trouble twins!
Baking powder loves parties! You can find baking powder in cakes, muffins, pancakes, biscuits, and all sorts of other baked goods.
Sometimes baking powder needs a little extra partner-in-crime. If your recipe doesn't have any acidic friends like buttermilk or yogurt, baking powder brings its own.
Your little baking powder friends need two things to get to work: a splash of water and the oven's warm hug. That's why recipes have both liquids and baking temperatures!
Be careful not to give your baking powder friends too much work! Using too much can make your baked goods taste a bit funny. Follow the recipe's instructions for the perfect amount.
If you ever run out of baking powder, your buddy baking soda can lend a hand! Just remember, he's a bit stronger, so use only 1/4 teaspoon for every teaspoon of baking powder and add an acidic friend like buttermilk or yogurt to help balance things out.
Baking powder likes to live in a cool, dry place, like a pantry cupboard. Make sure to store it in a tightly closed container.