Good to know: Cream of Tartar

Cream of Tartar is a mystery ingredient that is asked for often... but not many seem to know what it does.

Cream of tarter actually isn't a cream at all... its a dry white powder. Originally a bi-product of wine making, cream of tartar is an acid that is mixed with baking soda to create baking powder. It acts as an acid, while the baking soda emits carbon dioxide to make the dough or batter rise, or leaven, properly, helping to create fluffy baked items.

Some recipes may ask for baking powder, baking soda and cream of tartar separately, or not at all. It depends on the other ingredients involved in the recipe and the amount of acid contained in the ingredients and the balancing act to make it rise.