baking-powder

baking-powder

A baker adds baking-powder to a bowl of flour.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Leavening agent: "baking-powder" is a dry chemical leavening agent used in baking to increase the volume and lighten the texture of baked goods. It typically contains a combination of an acid (like cream of tartar) and a base (like baking soda), which react when mixed with liquid and heat to produce carbon dioxide gas.
Usage Examples
  • (The dry mixture must be combined thoroughly for proper rising.)
  • (The specific amount is needed to achieve a light texture.)
  • (The leavening agent is essential for the desired rise.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Double-acting baking-powder": a type of baking-powder that releases some gas when mixed with liquid and the remainder when exposed to heat.

    • Most modern baking-powder is double-acting, so the batter can sit briefly before baking. (The two-stage reaction allows flexibility in preparation.)

  • "Baking-powder biscuits": a type of quick bread leavened solely with baking-powder.

    • She made tender baking-powder biscuits for breakfast. (These biscuits rely entirely on the chemical leavening agent.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Baking soda (n): sodium bicarbonate, a single-ingredient leavening agent that requires an acid to activate.

    • Baking soda is not the same as baking-powder; it must be combined with an acidic ingredient. (The distinction is crucial in recipes.)

  • Self-rising flour (n): flour that already contains baking-powder and salt.

    • Self-rising flour simplifies baking by including the leavening agent. (It eliminates the need to add baking-powder separately.)
Synonyms
  • Leavening powder: a general term for any powder that causes dough to rise (less common).
  • Raising agent: a broader category that includes baking-powder, yeast, and other substances.
Related Idioms
  • "Add baking-powder to the mix": (informal) to introduce an element that causes sudden change or growth.
    • The new investment added baking-powder to the mix, making the project expand rapidly. (The investment acted like a catalyst.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • "Baking-powder in": (rare, technical) to incorporate baking-powder into a mixture.
    • Be sure to baking-powder in the dry ingredients thoroughly. (This usage is uncommon outside of recipe instructions.)