On Wed, 15 Nov 2006, FarmerGirl wrote:

> I apologize if this has been discussed before. I only recently joined
> this newsgroup.
>
> How does one tell whether their
> cream of tartar
> baking soda
> and baking powder
> are still fresh? Is there a test you can do? We're about to get ready
> to bake Christmas cookies, and I don't want things to come out flat if
> my ingredients aren't working properly.
>
> Thank you for any insight,
> Bobbett

Cream of Tartar and baking soda should remain fresh, as long as they are
not damp or caked. Probably OK, even if you have to re-powder them.

Baking powder will lose its raising power, if it absorbs any moisture. You
should be able to test it my dropping a quarter teaspoonful into some
water. If it fizzes and leaves litte residue, it's fine.
Dave