Baking Powder

How many times have you had to run to the store to pick up a new canister of baking powder when you want to make pancakes or some other type of baked goods? The containers at the store are so small and you pay a decent amount for them, compared to the amount you receive in return. Add to that the fact that many of the baking powders contain aluminum and it makes you wonder if it's worth it in the first place.

Now for the good news: baking powder is a CINCH to make at home. All it requires is 3 simple ingredients and you can whip up a large, aluminum-free batch of baking powder right in your own kitchen. In fact, I find that the homemade version is far superior to its store-bought counterpart. Pancakes and biscuits rise much better, baked goods are just that much fluffier. And did I mention how simple it is to throw together?

Here are the game players in homemade baking powder:

Ingredients:

2 tsp. Cream of Tartar
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Corn Starch

The corn starch isn't an imperative ingredient--you can make baking powder using just the cream of tartar and baking soda, however, you run the risk of your baking powder getting clumped up from variations in humidity and temperature in your house. So, if at all possible, I would recommend adding corn starch to your baking powder.

Simply combine the above ingredients, stir together, and store in an air-tight container. I use an old baking powder container to store mine (with the recipe written right on it, perfect for when I need to make more).

I would also recommend buying the cream of tartar in bulk--it's relatively cheap and can be purchased either in the bulk section of your grocery store, or through a company such as Amazon.

Once you realize how easy and superior homemade baking powder is to the store version, you won't switch back!