[msb-alumni] Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder with Recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookies
- From: Steve <pipeguy920@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <msb-alumni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 24 May 2016 12:35:22 -0400
BlankAsk the Test Kitchen: Baking soda vs. baking powder Susan Selasky ,
Detroit
Free Press
QUESTION: What are the differences between baking soda and baking powder
(double
acting)? Why would one or the other be used in some recipes, and why are both
used in some recipes? Frank Reid, Ferndale
ANSWER:
The quick answer is both are used as leaveners. But the difference is how they
are activated.
A small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) used as a leavener goes a
long way because it's stronger than baking powder. Baking soda needs an acidic
ingredient (buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream) to make it work so things will
rise. The acidic ingredient also neutralizes the baking soda so you don't get a
metallic aftertaste in the baked good.
But more baking soda doesn't mean more rise. If you use too much, it will also
leave an aftertaste (see formula below).
The difference between the two is that baking powder already contains the
acidic
component, usually cream of tartar, along with the baking soda and cornstarch
to
prevent clumping. Baking powder is typically used in recipes that don't have an
acidic ingredient.
When baking soda comes in contact with acidic ingredients, it forms carbon
dioxide gas. Baking soda, unlike baking powder, doesn't require heat to make it
react.
That is why many recipes call for mixing dry ingredients (flour, baking powder
and salt) together before adding the liquids. But because those gases form
immediately, the product must be baked right away or the gases will dissipate
and lose the leavening power.
Keep in mind honey, molasses, brown sugar, fruit juices and cocoa (not
Dutch-processed, which has alkaline) have an acidic component.
Baking soda not only makes cakes and quick breads rise, it helps tenderize
baked
goods and has a browning effect. Because baking soda has that browning effect,
you will see it used in some cookie and cake batters. Also, using a small
amount
of baking soda in cookies means they'll have a crisp texture.
The two are also used together when the batter may have enough to neutralize
the
acid component of the recipe, but not enough to give it some lift.
Today, most of the baking powders at grocery stores are labled "Double Acting.
That means some of the gas is released when cold, but that it needs heat to
complete the reaction process. Because it reacts when cold, that means you can
mix your cake batter and let it sit for a bit and the remaining gases will form
when
baked.
Keep in mind that white powders have a shelf-life. Both usually have expiration
dates on the package. If either one is expired, your baked good can fail.
The two white powders are also completely interchangeable. Here's the basic
formula: ? Use baking soda in place of baking powder as long as there is an
acidic ingredient in the recipe.
Use 1 teaspoon baking powder (no more than 1-1/4 teaspoons) per cup of flour or
1/4 teaspoon baking soda per cup of flour.
If the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon baking powder, use 1 / 4 teaspoon baking
soda
provided there is an acidic ingredient. If a recipe has baking powder with an
acidic ingredient, you need to add some baking soda to neutralize the acid.
****
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Makes: 4 dozen
Preparation time: 10 minutes / Total time: 30 minutes
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 tablespoon cider or white vinegar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2-1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Lightly grease (or line with parchment) several baking sheets.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugars, corn syrup and vinegar for
3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in the vanilla, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
Stir in the flour. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop the dough by the tablespoonful onto baking sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes or until just set. Remove them from the oven and cool 1
minute on the baking sheet.
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Adapted from "The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion: The Essential Cookie
Cookbook"
by King Arthur Flour (The Countryman Press, $29.95).
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