Two Frugal Chicks

My sister told me she needed to run to the store for baking powder so it reminded me to tell her she can make her own. It’s stuff I usually have on hand anyway and it’s better for you. Most commercially-produced baking powder contain aluminum–sodium aluminum sulfate. Make your own and keep your baked goods aluminum-free.

1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp corn starch (optional – if storing)

To use right away:
Mix the baking soda and cream of tartar together until well combined.
Yield: One tablespoon of baking powder.

To store: Add a teaspoon of corn starch to the mixture, and stir. This will absorb any moisture from the air, and prevent the baking powder from reacting before you need it. Store in an air-tight container.

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Here is a way we can use up those empty 2 liter pop bottles in our gardens.

Drill a hole in the bottom (or top depending on how you want to use them) and fill with water. They will also catch rain water 

Hide them in between plants or bury them 2/3 down and fill with water. You can also do this upside down and drill a hole in the lid if you are worried about pets or mosquitos.

Here is a link to the article I saved

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If recipe calls for 1/3 cup, fill measuring cup two-thirds full of water, add enough shortening to bring water to top of cup, pour off water and you have 1/3 cup of shortening.

This is the method I was taught in my Home Ec class in 8th grade. Man, that was a million years ago! But it works and you don’t have to try to squish shortening in to a measuring cup wondering if you got it right.

I know, I know…..shortening is not good for you, but combined with butter makes the best pie dough.

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Here is an interesting article I saved about how to forecast weather.

Today is supposed to be a gorgeous day.

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