Baking Soda

Bicarbonate of soda is a strong alkaline or base. Alkalis and bases combine to form salts and have a strong affinity for each other. You need an acid in a recipe to react with the baking soda, which in turn creates carbon dioxide and allows your baked good to rise.

Baking soda is strong.

Several ingredients provide the temper such as buttermilk, brown sugar, yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, cream of tartar, molasses, applesauce, natural cocoa powder (not dutch process), or honey. Cream of tartar is most often found in simple breads as it can be used in small amounts and is not a flavor contributor to the end product.