I know that I have read in a recent issue directions for making baking powder. What I usually find in the store contains Aluminum and I would like to avoid that if possible. Does anyone remember which issue it was in or have the directions handy?

R. Pilkington

-- Rhonda Pilkington (pilkguns@infoave.net), October 05, 1999

Answers

I don't know where that reference was, but this is what my Fannie Farmer cookbook says: "Recipes in this book call for double-acting baking powder, which is the most readily available everywhere today. Old-fashioned single-acting baking powder, technically *tartrate* or *phosphate baking powder*, goes to work as soon as it is mixed with liquid, thus demanding that the batter be baked immediately. Double- acting baking powder, on the other hand, acts twice--both when it is first mixed and again when the heat of the oven releases the full force of the leavening gases, so there is less urgency about baking your mixture. Both are equally effective in the long run, but it is important to note if you're using single-acting that you must double the amount called for in recipes because it is that much less potent.

There are those who prefer the old-fashioned baking powder, claiming that they can detect a chemical taste in double-acting. If you wish to make your own baking powder, combine 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar and you will have the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of tartrate or phosphate baking powder. Do not store homemade baking powder; it will not keep well." (Others with experience making their own might dispute that I would guess.)

I personally use Rumford baking powder, which as far as I know, does not have aluminum in it, and it is a double-acting type. Can says "Composed of the following ingredients and none other: Calcium acid phosphate, bicarbonate of soda, corn starch". I think you can get it "regular" grocery stores, but since I mostly shop at natural/health food stores or co-ops, I'm not certain. Website for Rumford is www.hulman.com.

-- J. E. Froelich (dragnfly@chorus.net), October 06, 1999.

go to the old timers site at the walton home page. http://waltonfeed.com/old and look in Mothers or ma's recipes from the depression age, there is a recipe for making baking powder. I love that page. just a lot of things from the old days and some are still quite useful.

-- Susie (goodartfarm@msn.com), April 24, 2000.

Susie, What a great site- thank you!

-- Peg (NW WI) (wildwoodfarms@hushmail.com), April 24, 2000.