Baking powder is such a significant part of the history and production of baked goods and prepared foods that some of its early manufacturers made their fortunes by producing just baking powder. Various baking powders were sold in the first half of the 19th century, yet our modern variants were not discovered until 1856.
A wide array of baked goods and yeast free breads can be made to rise, and so become more light, fluffy and palatable, by the inclusion of baking powder. Recipes for muffins, biscuits, cakes and cookies employ baking powder.
Baking powder is comprised of three dry powder ingredients: one that is acidic, one that is base, and one that is filler Most commonly these dry powders are baking soda (base), Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (acidic) and potato starch (filler.) When they are dissolved in water the acid and alkali react and form carbon dioxide, which expands into bubbles to leaven the mixture.
In recipes using single-acting baking powder all the carbon dioxide bubbles form when these three ingredients meet with the liquid ingredients, which is why dry ingredients and wet ingredients are kept separate until just before the ingredients are briefly stirred and quickly baked.
Baking Powder vs. Yeast Some recipes that use baking powder were adapted from recipes originally containing yeast. This was sometimes achieved to yield similar results in shorter amounts of time. Baking powder provides relatively rapid results in recipes compared with yeasted recipes. For making muffins, cookies, quick breads, and creating the ‘20-minute meal’, and when making baked goods for those with yeast allergies, baking powder is an indispensable ingredient.
Applications:
Used as an ingredient in muffins, quick breads, cakes, waffles, pancakes, yeast-free breads, and much more.
Baking Powder is used in similar ways to baking soda for a variety of household cleaning and deodorizing applications:
Freshens carpet You may add a few drops of an essential oil into the cup of baking powder before using. Sprinkle liberally, but lightly, on carpeting and allow this to sit, absorbing dirt and odors, for about 15 minutes before vacuuming the carpet. Scratch-free scrubbing compound Put baking powder on a damp sponge or cloth and rub as you use to freshen and clean sinks, tiles, counter, tubs, appliances and more. Using a wet sponge or cloth, wipe to remove residue and then provide a final rinse and then dry.
Dishwashers and Washing Machines Baking powder, added into the cycle when using washing machines or dishwashers, will increase the cleaning effectiveness of powdered detergents or soaps.
Making fleas flee Combine equal parts salt and baking powder. Sprinkle onto carpeting. Sweep into the fibers. Allow this to sit 5 or more hours before vacuuming thoroughly. Vacuum again. When finished, to avoid any live fleas returning into the house, immediately take the vacuum outside. Empty the vacuum bag onto paper or plastic, completely wrap the contents and carefully dispose of. Repeat weekly, monthly, or as needed.
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