|
|
Article: Baking powder, soda differ
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- October 20, 2004
CopyrightCopyright 2004 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
|
Q. What, if any, is the difference between baking powder and
baking soda? Can I substitute one for the other?
A. While baking soda and baking powder are both chemical leaveners
-- meaning that they chemically mimic yeast fermentation by producing
gases (carbon dioxide) in baked goods -- the two should not be
confused. Baking soda is four times as strong as baking powder; and
the two require very different conditions to activate their leavening
power.
Baking soda is nothing more than the chemical sodium bicarbonate.
When it is combined with moisture and an acidic ingredient -- such as
yogurt, buttermilk, chocolate or honey -- a chemical reaction
releases carbon dioxide, producing air bubbles ...