Before baking soda and baking powder were available, how did cooks keep their baked goods from being heavy? They frequently used cream of tartar. Cream of tartar is the common name for potassium hydrogen tartrate and is essentially an acidic salt. It is manufactured by mixing potassium hydroxide with tartaric acid. For centuries it has been formed from the sediment left over in barrels after the winemaking process. Thus, cream of tartar has been around for a long time.

Cream of tartar is found in some baking powder, and is often used to help stabilize egg whites, or to produce creamy frostings and candy. If a cook is out of baking powder, he can substitute cream of tartar and baking soda, carefully, to mimic the action of baking powder, which is actually formed from these two compounds. However, homemade baking powder can pack a kick, so it should be substituted with great care. This is how most cooks made their baking powder before it became commercially available.

Cream of tartar is sold in the spices or baking section of most grocery stores. The McCormick Company sells it, as do many other spice retailers. Even a small container will last for some time, since very little cream of tartar is usually needed for the desired results. White vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted for cream of tartar, but it takes about three times more vinegar than cream of tartar to produce the right amount of acidity.

Cream of tartar also has other household applications. It can be used to clean brass and copper cookware. It is also helpful in removing stains from sinks and bathtubs. Cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide can remove even the most stubborn rust stains, without scratching a delicate surface. Always test the solution in an inconspicuous area first, however, to ensure its suitability for use on that surface.

Recipes using cream of tartar are available online. When kept away from heat and light, the shelf life for cream of tartar is indefinite, making it a better buy. This unassuming baking aid is a useful addition to any kitchen.