Take a look at your favorite baking recipes. Chances are, one of the ingredients is cream of tartar. But what exactly is this stuff?
According to a recent survey conducted by local spice maker McCormick &Co., consumers called cream of tartar the most “intimidating holiday ‘spice.’ “
Actually, cream of tartar is a fine white powder derived from the crystalline acid that’s left on the inside of wine casks once grapes have fermented.
Cream of tartar helps add volume to egg whites in meringues and brings a creamier consistency to candy and frostings. You can even use it to make baking powder. Just combine 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch to make 1 teaspoon baking powder.
Stored in a cool, dark place, cream of tartar can be kept indefinitely.
Associated Press
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