IN-THE-NEWS
Felix put his head in his hands and sighed. No matter how often he went through the monthly figures for his home handyman business, he couldn’t deny the facts. He was facing another shortfall this month
Felix rushes to help when he sees his elderly neighbor struggling to cut her overgrown lawn. She forces an unusual antique box on him as a token of her appreciation, but the gift lands Felix in deep trouble when her lawyer phones to request an urgent meeting.
Felix was going through the monthly figures for his handyman business when the growl of a lawnmower drew his attention. He peeked through his kitchen window and was shocked to see elderly Mrs. McAllister struggling to control her lawnmower with one hand while using her cane with the other…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
When Felix caught up to her, Mrs. McAllister was red in the face and sweating profusely. She switched the lawnmower off.
“Felix…is there…something…I can help…you with?” she panted.
“Step aside and let me help you! Honestly, Mrs. McAllister, your son should be helping you with these chores. It ain’t right to let your elderly Mom struggle alone.”
After a long morning cutting and raking the tall, damp grass, Mrs. McAllister invited Felix inside for a glass of lemonade. He was astonished by the dusty clutter of knick-knacks, dirt, and cobwebs in her home. It seemed to Felix that his kindhearted neighbor couldn’t take care of herself anymore.
“Here you go, dear.” Mrs. McAllister placed a glass of lemonade on the table.
“I also want you to have this. It’s an antique that’s been passed down in my family.”
Felix frowned at the metal box she held out to him. It had an odd set of dials on the lid and was surprisingly heavy.
“I don’t need a fancy gift for such a simple task, Mrs. McAllister.” Felix handed the box back to her.
Mrs. McAllister frowned with disappointment. She insisted he take something for his troubles and fetched a grocery bag filled with apples for his daughter, Suzie. Afterward, she slumped into her armchair with a loud groan, clearly exhausted.
Felix insisted that Mrs. McAllister call him next time she needed help and left her to rest. Later that day, Suzie rushed up to Felix with an excited grin.
“Dad, look what I found under the apples Mrs. McAllister gave us!” She showed him the same strange metal box. “I think these dials are a combination lock, but I can’t open it.”
“I’m sorry, Suzie, I know you love old puzzle boxes and things, but we aren’t keeping this.” He held out his hand for the box. “I’m going to return it to Mrs. McAllister.”
Suzie was deeply upset, but Felix insisted. He marched back to Mrs. McAllister’s house with the box, but she didn’t answer the door. With a frustrated groan, he tried the door handle. He yelled to Mrs. McAllister that he was coming in to return her box safely, then stepped inside.
Mrs. McAllister’s body was slumped in the armchair. Her eyes stared at the wall, unseeing and empty.
“Mrs. McAllister!” Felix shouted as he rushed to her side, but it was no good: Mrs. McAllister was gone.
Felix forgot about the box until much later when he realized it was in his pocket. On a whim, he searched online for similar antique boxes. He swore when he finally found a match.
This box was worth $250,000!
Felix hadn’t wanted to keep the box, but he couldn’t return it anymore, and that amount of money would secure Suzie’s future. He had to sell it, for Suzie’s sake. In the meanwhile, Felix stored the box in a safe place. A few days later, Felix got a strange phone call.
“This is Tim, Mrs. McAllister’s lawyer. I’d like to meet with you, as soon as possible. Are you available now?”
Tim’s urgency made Felix wary, but he agreed to meet the lawyer at a cafe in town. Despite his unease, he was curious about why Tim wanted to see him. His confusion grew when he arrived and saw Mrs. McAllister’s son, Henry, seated at a table with the man who had to be Tim.
Henry glared at him when Felix joined them. “I’m going to cut to the chase, Felix. A precious heirloom has gone missing from my mother’s house, a small box with some dials on the lid. You were the last person in her house and I wanted to give you a chance to do the right thing.”
“You think I stole from your mother?” Felix yelled. “Mrs. McAllister gave the box to me as thanks for cutting her grass—a chore you should’ve done for her!”
“Mom would never have given you that box!” Henry stabbed his finger in Felix’s direction. “It belonged to my great-great-grandfather, a well-known politician, who commissioned it from a famous artisan! It’s one of only two in the world! You’re going to return the box to me and I’ll give you $1000 for it. Deal?”
“No.” Felix stood. “You’re welcome to join the bidding when I put it up for auction. Goodbye, Henry.”
The next day, Felix went to a local auction house to have the box appraised. An earnest man with a snooty accent called Mr. Whitaker invited him into a back room for the appraisal. They were joined by a woman called Ellen.
“I can immediately verify that the craftsmen’s mark on the underside is authentic,” Mr. Whitaker said. “That means this is quite a notable piece, sir. One of only two in the world.”
Ellen leaned over to study the box. “That is quite lovely…may I see your provenance documentation?”
“Excuse me?” Felix asked. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
A muscle twitched in the woman’s cheek. “You need to provide a certificate of authentication, or any verifiable document that proves the artifact’s authenticity and your ownership.”
“Uh…I left all that stuff at home,” Felix lied. He didn’t like the turn this appraisal had taken. He took the box from the table and moved toward the door. “I’ll fetch it and be right back.”
“We can’t let you do that.” Ellen sidestepped to block his path to the door.
“We are obliged to notify the authorities of any…irregularities concerning items tied to historical figures.”
Felix panicked. He dodged around the woman and Mr. Whitaker and rushed into the hallway. He reached the reception area just as an alarm started blaring.
Felix felt like he was back on his high school football field as he dodged and slipped past guards who hurried to stop him. One caught hold of his arm, but he jerked free and raced out of the building and onto the street. He ran from there until his legs felt like jelly.
Felix paced his sitting room as he pondered his next move. He needed to sell the box to invest in Suzie’s future, but he couldn’t do that without some kind of paperwork.
He wished he could ask Mrs. McAllister about it. She’d know exactly what documents he needed to prove provenance and probably be able to provide them too. Felix paused as he realized there might be a way to sell the box. It wasn’t something he wanted to do, but he had no other choice.
Felix selected some useful items from his toolboxes and then fetched his boltcutter from the garage. After Suzie went to bed that night, Felix crept out and broke into Mrs. McAllister’s house to search for the documents he needed.
A chill went down Felix’s spine as he stepped into Mrs. McAllister’s bedroom. It still smelled like her in here. Looking through her personal space felt creepy and invasive, but he forced himself to continue. He was halfway across the room when the bedroom light turned on.
“Not so high and mighty now, are you Felix?” Henry crowed from the door.
Felix turned. Henry was holding his phone up, and the flash flickered in Felix’s eyes as Henry took photos of him.
Felix raised a hand to hide his face. “This isn’t what it looks like, Henry. I just need—”
“The documentation for the box, I know.” Henry smirked. “My family has a known connection to that box so the auction house contacted me after you tried to scam them. Of course, I told them you stole it—”
“That’s a lie!”
“But you can’t prove ownership without proper documentation.” Henry crossed his arms and widened his stance, filling the doorway. “You can’t sell it either. I’ll give you until 8 a. m tomorrow to hand it over, otherwise I’ll call the cops.”
Henry stepped aside, and Felix fled from Mrs. McAllister’s house. The consequences he now faced weighed heavily on him. He wished he’d left the box in Mrs. McAllister’s house the same day he found her dead.
But she’d wanted him to have it! Felix didn’t believe Henry would stick to his word if he handed the box over. Thoughts raced through his mind. By dawn, he knew what he had to do.
He asked his mom to come over immediately, then woke Suzie and told her to quickly pack a bag. A few hours later, they all stood at the front door. He’d explained everything, and now they had to say goodbye.
Felix gave the box to Suzie. “Sell it as soon as you can. Don’t take anything less than 100, 000 dollars for it, okay? This is the only way to get clear of this mess while still ensuring you get to live your life to the fullest.”
Felix hugged his daughter tightly and held back the tears forming in his eyes. Saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things he’d ever faced in his life.
“Promise me you’ll live a good life, Suzie,” he said as he looked into her eyes. “Study hard so you make something of yourself, and travel so you can see what the world has to offer you. Take care of your grandma…family is important, and the elderly deserve our respect.”
Police sirens wailed in the distance. It was 8:30 a.m., half an hour past Henry’s deadline. He suspected those sirens were coming for him. He watched Mom and Suzie pull out of the driveway as the police sirens grew closer and closer. He took some comfort from knowing they were clear of this mess when the cops arrested him.
Despite Henry’s threats, the charges against Felix were complicated by legal technicalities. Since the box was now missing, key parts of Henry’s case were in doubt. Felix spent four months in a holding cell awaiting his court date. One day, a guard told him someone posted his bail.
Felix was deeply confused. He followed the man to the front section of the prison, where Suzie was waiting for him. They walked outside together. Mom was parked at the curb, waiting for them.
“Okay, Suzie, I can’t wait anymore,” Felix said as they got into the car. “What’s going on?”
“Well, I didn’t listen to you about the box.” Suzie smiled sheepishly. “Instead, I figured out how to open it. Inside it was a certificate of authentication, and a note from Mrs. McAllister. She really wanted you to have that box, Dad. The note said so.”
Felix frowned. He still didn’t understand Mrs. McAllister’s insistence that he take the box, but Suzie wasn’t finished, so he didn’t get much time to mull it over.
“So I showed the note to your lawyer, and then I took the box with all the papers to an antique dealer.” Suzie grinned broadly. “He gave us enough money for it to post bail and we still have $100,000 left!”
Baking powder is a staple in many kitchens. It plays a crucial role in creating fluffy pancakes, light cakes, and airy muffins. However, there are times when you might find yourself without this essential ingredient. Don’t worry! There are several effective substitutes you can use to save the day. In this article, we’ll explore the 18 best baking powder substitutes. In addition, we will also discuss some useful insights, and tips, to enhance your baking experience.
What is Baking Powder?
Before we dive into the substitutes, let’s take a quick look at what baking powder is. Baking powder is a leavening agent that contains a combination of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This is an acidifying agent and a drying agent like cornstarch
When combined with moisture and heat, the chemical reaction between the baking soda and acid produces carbon dioxide bubbles. This can cause baked goods to rise and achieve that light, airy texture we all love.
18 Best Baking Powder Substitutes
1. Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is an acidic byproduct of winemaking that helps stabilize whipped egg whites and prevent sugar crystallization. When combined with baking soda, it creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, similar to baking powder.
This substitute works best in recipes that don’t already contain an acidic ingredient. Because the cream of tartar provides the necessary acidity.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
- Note: This combination will provide the necessary acidity for the reaction.
Best For
- Cakes, cookies, and quick breads where a light texture is desired.
2. Buttermilk and Baking Soda
Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product with a slightly tangy flavor. Its acidity reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps baked goods rise.
When using this substitute, be sure to reduce other liquids in the recipe to maintain the proper consistency. You can also use plain yogurt instead of buttermilk, using the same substitution ratio.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Note: Reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to compensate for the added buttermilk.
Best For
- Pancakes, muffins, and quick breads.
3. Yogurt and Baking Soda
Like buttermilk, yogurt is an acidic dairy product that can activate baking soda to create a leavening effect.
Plain yogurt, whether regular or Greek, can be used as a baking powder substitute due to its acidic nature. The tanginess of the yogurt can also add depth of flavor to your baked goods.
When using yogurt, be sure to adjust the other liquid ingredients in the recipe to maintain the proper consistency.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/2 cup of plain yogurt and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Note: Adjust the amount of other liquids in the recipe accordingly.
Best For
- Cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
4. Lemon Juice or Vinegar and Baking Soda
Lemon juice and vinegar are both highly acidic liquids that can react with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. White vinegar has the most neutral flavor, making it a good choice for most recipes.
However, apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can also be used. Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note that can complement many baked goods. Keep in mind that using these acidic liquids may alter the flavor profile of your recipe.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Note: This combination may alter the flavor of your baked goods slightly.
Best For
- Cakes, muffins, and quick breads where a slight tang can enhance the flavor.
5. Molasses and Baking Soda
Molasses is not as acidic as some other substitutes, but its slight acidity can still react with baking soda to produce a leavening effect.
However, molasses is a very strong flavoring agent. So it’s best used in recipes where its flavor is welcome, such as gingerbread or molasses cookies. Be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe to account for the sweetness of the molasses.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1 tablespoon of molasses and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Note: Molasses is a strong flavoring agent, so use it sparingly and adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe accordingly.
Best For
- Gingerbread, molasses cookies, and other recipes where the flavor of molasses is desirable.
6. Whipped Egg Whites
Whipped egg whites can add air and structure to baked goods, acting as a leavening agent. This method works particularly well in recipes that rely on whipped egg whites for structure, such as angel food cakes, soufflés, and meringues. Be sure to whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks for the best results.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Use 2 egg whites, whipped to stiff peaks, for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Note: Adjust other liquid ingredients in the recipe to compensate for the added moisture from the egg whites.
Best For
- Cakes, soufflés, and meringues.
7. Self-Rising Flour
Self-rising flour is a time-saving ingredient that eliminates the need to add baking powder separately. It’s particularly useful in recipes that call for a small amount of flour. Note that self-rising flour also contains salt, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Replace the regular flour in your recipe with self-rising flour, and omit the baking powder. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
- Note: Each cup of self-rising flour contains about 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.
Best For
- Quick breads, pancakes, and muffins.
8. Club Soda
Club soda is carbonated water that contains sodium bicarbonate. This makes it a handy substitute in some recipes.
This soda can provide a subtle leavening effect due to the carbon dioxide bubbles it contains. It works best in recipes where a light, airy texture is desired, such as pancakes or waffles. Note that the carbonation may dissipate quickly, so it’s best to work quickly when adding club soda to your batter.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Replace the liquid in your recipe with an equal amount of club soda.
- Note: This works best in recipes where a light texture is desired, such as waffles or pancakes.
Best For
- Pancakes, waffles, and light batters.
9. Potassium Bicarbonate
Potassium bicarbonate is a sodium-free alternative to baking powder that can be used as a 1:1 substitute. It’s a great option for those on low-sodium diets or anyone looking to reduce their sodium intake.
Keep in mind that potassium bicarbonate doesn’t contain the same flavor-enhancing properties as sodium. So you may need to add a pinch of salt to your recipe to balance the flavors.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Use 1 teaspoon of potassium bicarbonate for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Note: You may want to add a pinch of salt to your recipe to enhance flavor since potassium bicarbonate doesn’t contain sodium.
Best For
- Any recipe that calls for baking powder, especially for those monitoring sodium levels.
10. Baker’s Ammonia (Ammonium Carbonate)
Baker’s ammonia is also known as ammonium carbonate. This is a traditional leavening agent that was commonly used before the invention of baking powder. It produces a light, crisp texture that is ideal for thin cookies and crackers.
However, it can leave behind a slight ammonia smell while baking, which dissipates as the baked goods cool. Baker’s ammonia is less commonly used today but can still be found in some specialty baking stores. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Use 1 teaspoon of baker’s ammonia for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Note: It may leave a slight ammonia smell while baking, but this dissipates during cooking.
Best For
- Thin, crisp cookies and crackers.
11. Whipped Cream
Whipped cream can add moisture and lightness to baked goods. This makes it a suitable substitute for baking powder in some recipes.
It works best in simple recipes like pancakes or cookies, where the added fat from the cream won’t significantly alter the texture. Be sure to adjust other liquid ingredients in the recipe to maintain the proper consistency.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Use 2 tablespoons of whipped cream for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Note: Adjust other liquid ingredients in the recipe to compensate for the added moisture from the whipped cream.
Best For
- Simple baked goods like pancakes or cookies.
12. Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, like club soda, contains carbon dioxide bubbles that can provide a subtle leavening effect in baked goods. It works best in recipes where a light texture is desired, such as pancakes or waffles.
Keep in mind that the carbonation may dissipate quickly. So it’s important to work quickly when adding sparkling water to your batter.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Replace the liquid in your recipe with an equal amount of sparkling water.
- Note: The carbonation may dissipate quickly, so work quickly when adding it to the batter.
Best For
- Pancakes, waffles, and light batters.
13. Whipped Coconut Cream
For a vegan alternative to whipped cream, you can use whipped coconut cream as a substitute for baking powder.
To make whipped coconut cream, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solidified cream from the top. Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks, then fold it into your batter. This substitute works well in vegan baking, pancakes, and cookies.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Use 2 tablespoons of whipped coconut cream for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Note: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solidified cream from the top.
Best For
- Vegan baking, pancakes, and cookies.
14. Sour Milk or Buttermilk Powder
Sour milk or buttermilk powder can be used as a baking powder substitute by providing the acidic component needed to activate baking soda. This substitute works well in quick breads, pancakes, and muffins.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1 teaspoon of sour milk or buttermilk powder plus 1/2 cup of water.
- Note: Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before adding it to the recipe.
Best For
- Quick breads, pancakes, and muffins.
15. Baking Soda and Acid
If you have baking soda but no baking powder, you can create a substitute by combining it with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk.
The acid will react with the baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, providing a leavening effect. This substitute works best in recipes that already contain an acidic ingredient.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1 teaspoon of an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk.
- Note: The acid will activate the baking soda, creating a leavening effect.
Best For
- Recipes that already contain an acidic ingredient.
16. Aquafaba
Aquafaba is a fantastic vegan substitute because it mimics the properties of egg whites. This can provide both moisture and structure to baked goods.
To use aquafaba, simply drain a can of chickpeas and reserve the liquid. Whip the aquafaba using a hand mixer or a stand mixer until it reaches stiff peaks, similar to whipped egg whites. This makes it an excellent choice for recipes like meringues, and mousses.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Note: This is a great vegan substitute that adds moisture and structure.
Best For
- Vegan baking, meringues, and cakes.
17. Skip It
For inherently dense recipes, you can often skip the baking powder without significantly affecting the outcome. This approach works well for recipes that rely on other leavening agents or methods.
Just be aware that the final texture may be denser than if baking powder were used, but it can still be delicious.
How to Use
- Note: This may result in a denser final product, but it’s not the end of the world. Recipes that rely on other leavening methods, like whipped egg whites or creaming butter and sugar, may still turn out well.
Best For
- Dense cookies, brownies, and some cakes.
18. Baking Soda and Cream of Tartar (Homemade Baking Powder)
Making your baking powder is a simple and effective way to ensure you have a leavening agent on hand. This homemade version works just as well as store-bought baking powder. Plus, it allows you to control the ingredients.
The combination of baking soda and cream of tartar creates the same chemical reaction that occurs in commercial baking powder. This substitute is particularly useful in recipes where you need to avoid additives found in some commercial baking powders.
How to Use
- Substitution Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
- Note: This combination will provide the necessary acidity for the reaction.
Best For
- Any recipe that calls for baking powder.
FAQs
1. Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?
Yes, you can use baking soda as a substitute for baking powder, but you will need to add an acid to activate it. For every teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of an acidic ingredient like vinegar, lemon juice, or cream of tartar.
2. What happens if I don’t have any baking powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can use one of the substitutes mentioned in this guide, such as baking soda with an acid, yogurt, or buttermilk. Alternatively, you can skip it in recipes that don’t rely heavily on leavening, but the final product may be denser.
3. Can I use self-rising flour instead of baking powder?
Yes, self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so you can use it as a substitute. Replace the all-purpose flour in your recipe with self-rising flour and omit the baking powder. Each cup of self-rising flour contains about 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder.
4. How do I know if my baking powder is still good?
To test the freshness of your baking powder, add a teaspoon of it to a small bowl of hot water. If it bubbles vigorously, it’s still active. If there’s little to no reaction, it’s time to replace it.
5. Can I use expired baking powder?
It’s not recommended to use expired baking powder, as it may not provide the necessary leavening power. Always check the expiration date and perform a freshness test if you’re unsure.
6. How do I know which substitute to use?
The best substitute depends on the recipe and the other ingredients involved. Some substitutes work better in certain types of baked goods than others.
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