Make Baking Powder

Baking powder (not to be mistaken for baking soda) is a leavening agent used to lighten doughs by releasing gas, forming bubbles causing the dough to rise. It is often bought ready mixed but you can easily make your own with a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Steps

Making Your Own Baking Powder

  1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need a bowl, a sifter, a whisk, a container with a lid, baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch ‘’or’’ arrowroot.
  2. Measure the ingredients. Use ¼ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of the cornstarch or arrowroot, and ½ cup of cream of tartar.
  3. Sift the ingredients. This will prevent any lumps from forming prematurely in your mixture, and help to more fully incorporate all the ingredients.
  4. Stir the mixture. Using the wire whisk, fully mix all the ingredients together.
  5. Store your baking powder. It should be kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture from entering, and is good for seven to ten weeks.[1]

Making Other Baking Powder Substitutes for Recipes

  1. Use buttermilk. Combine ½ teaspoon of baking soda with ½ teaspoon of buttermilk or plain yogurt.
    • The cultures in these dairy products react with the baking soda to create the gas necessary for leavening your baked goods.
    • Only use buttermilk as a substitute in recipes that already require wet ingredients. If necessary, reduce the measurements of the other wet ingredients to prevent your batter or dough from being too moist.
  2. Try lemon juice. Mix equal parts of lemon juice and baking soda for any recipes that require baking powder.
    • The acid in the lemon juice creates the chemical reaction with the baking soda, working in a cinch if you don't have baking powder.
    • Using lemon juice may leave a residual flavor, so only use it in products that you don't mind tasting mildly of citrus.
  3. Use molasses. Mix ⅓ cup of molasses with ¼ teaspoon of of baking soda. This substitution is best used in recipes that would not affect the taste much, such as in gingerbread or spice cake.[2]

Using Baking Powder in Your Home

  1. Use as a carpet freshener. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil to ¼ cup of baking powder. Sprinkle the combination over your carpet and leave for ten minutes, vacuuming afterwards.
  2. Use it as a cleaner. Baking powder is great for cleaning difficult areas or for adding a little power to many common cleaners.
    • Sprinkle some baking powder in your dishwasher for an extra clean set of dishes.
    • Pour a little baking powder in with your laundry to help boost your detergent.
    • Mix a little baking powder with hot water to create a paste and leave on dried food. It will work to remove the food from stoves, countertops, and dishes so that cleaning them down with a sponge afterwards is much easier.[3]
    • Clean your microwave. Mix a few tablespoons of baking powder with a cup of water and place the mixture in the microwave. Heat until the water boils, and allow time for it to cool in the microwave. Afterwards, it should be much easier to wipe down the interior of the microwave.
    • Clean your dirty mop by soaking it in a mixture of warm water and baking soda. It will remove any unwanted odors from mold or mildew that may be trapped in the mop head.
    • Clean your drains. Pour half a cup of baking soda and then half a cup of vinegar down your clogged drain. Let the solution sit for a few minutes, and then pour hot water down the drain to rinse.
  3. Clean smelly shoes. Fill a clean old sock with baking powder and let set in a pair of shoes that have begun to smell. The baking powder helps to absorb the odors.
  4. Get rid of ants. If you have an ant problem in your home, sprinkle a trail of baking powder mixed with salt in front of whatever entrance you think they’re using.
  5. Erase crayon from walls. Mix baking powder with warm water to create a paste. Dip a clean toothbrush into the paste and use to scrub walls with crayon drawings on them.

Tips

  • Store-bought baking powder may have traces of metal or corn in them, so making your own is a way to remove these ingredients.
  • Keep the baking powder dry until you are ready to use it.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/make-your-own-baking-powder/
  2. ↑ http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/baking-powder-substitutions.html#b
  3. ↑ http://bellevuewashingtonblog.blogspot.no/2007/02/baking-powder-uses.html
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