Posted by hans on March 21, 1998 at 17:11:30:
In Reply to: Re: baking soda vs. baking powder posted by Gerard on March 21, 1998 at 04:20:36:
: : What is the difference between baking powder and baking soda.
: Amy
: Among other things , in a cookie for example BP lifts the batter during baking, soda makes it spread.
: You need a basic baking book that explains ingredients actions.
?????????????????????????DUH?
: Gerard
Amy,
Baking soda is a chemical leavening agent, alkaline in nature, that in the presence of acid will create gas and force leavening. It is used in recipes that already contain acid in one form or another.
Baking powder is baking soda with powdered acid, eg cream of tartar, alum salts etc. added in a ratio of 1-2. One part baking soda to two parts of acid.
Baking powder will create gas in the presence of moisture and heat, even when the recipe has no other acidic ingredients.
I agree that a basic, reputable book of basic ingredients would go a long way. Ditto for Gearhard. Too many charlatans out there.