Keep your baking powder dry and check for freshness

Published 2:15 pm Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Life feel flat?: If your cookies and muffins don’t seem to rise as much as they used to, check your baking powder.

It tends to last for about 6 months or so, then it loses its strength pretty quickly.

To test it, mix up a pinch with some hot water. If it bubbles, it’s good.

For baking soda, mix it with vinegar — same deal.

While you can throw old baking powder/soda out, pour it down the sink to keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

For more information: www.foodnetwork.com.

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