Years ago, I was at a friend’s house and I wanted to make some chocolate chip cookies. When I went digging in her pantry, I found baking powder that had expired many, many years earlier. I tossed it, ...

DEAR HELOISE: I understand that baking powder has a shelf life, and that it can go bad. Can you tell me how long it remains good? — Joe and Kay, via e-mail It does have a shelf life, and here’s how to ...

Q: I've got a problem! Sometimes my cookies, muffins, cakes and biscuits do not rise enough. I was told that there is a test for checking the freshness of baking powder. I tried this and was surprised ...

Dear Heloise: I've got a problem! Sometimes my cookies, muffins, cakes and biscuits do not rise enough. I was told that there is a test for checking the freshness of baking powder. I tried this and ...

Claire is Lifehacker's Senior Food Editor. She has a B.S. in chemistry, a decade of food journalism experience, and a deep love for mayonnaise and MSG. At any given moment, I have at least one open ...

Test your baking powder’s freshness with a simple hot water fizz test. Fresh baking powder ensures light, fluffy baked goods that hold their shape. Make your own baking powder with baking soda, cream ...