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

To test for baking powder freshness: Place 1 tablespoon water in a bowl and add 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. If it bubbles and fizzes, it's still fresh. To test for baking soda freshness: Place 1/4 ...

Baking some last-minute holiday cookies? Be sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active so they can leaven the dough. Most containers are marked with "use by" dates. To test baking ...

Working with the light, airy dough was easier. I folded it a few times and patted it into a rough square before cutting it ...