What is the different in-between baking soda and bakin powder?
Baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents, but they work in different ways.
Baking soda is a base, and it reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes baked goods to rise. Baking soda must be used with an acidic ingredient, such as buttermilk, yogurt, or lemon juice, in order to work.
Baking powder is a combination of baking soda and an acid, such as cream of tartar. When baking powder is added to water, the acid and baking soda react to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes baked goods to rise. Baking powder does not need to be used with an acidic ingredient, because it already contains one.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between baking soda and baking powder:
| Feature | Baking soda | Baking powder |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Sodium bicarbonate | Sodium bicarbonate, an acid, and a drying agent |
| Reaction | Reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas | Reacts with water to produce carbon dioxide gas |
| Use | Must be used with an acidic ingredient | Does not need to be used with an acidic ingredient |
In general, baking soda is best used for recipes that contain an acidic ingredient, such as buttermilk, yogurt, or lemon juice. Baking powder is best used for recipes that do not contain an acidic ingredient.
Here are some examples of recipes that use baking soda:
* Buttermilk pancakes
* Chocolate chip cookies
* Yellow cake
Here are some examples of recipes that use baking powder:
* Angel food cake
* Biscuits
* Muffins
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