My dad says

[EvianBaby]

I can substitute baking powder with self raising flour.

Despite the fact he was a chef, I don't trust him. Is he right?

[ojread2]

He means you can add baking powder to PLAIN flour for the same result as self raising flour

[ojread2]

oh hang on, the recipe calls for baking powder but your dad says add SR flour?

[EvianBaby]

The recipe says 75g plain flour and 2.5 teaspoons of baking powder.

I don't have baking powder but he reckons I can substitute the whole lot for self raising.

[ojread2]

ah, im with you, yes you can do that :)

[boxtops]

Yes you can - it might not be quite the same, but you can.

[ojread2]

but dont add baking powder as well lol

[pastafreak]

I'd agree with your dad,as I've done that.

[coccinelle]

SR Flour is plain flour with baking powder added, isn't it?

[mike11111]

Does anyone still use baking powder? I thought that it went out with the end of the war.

[ojread2]

yep, I do
And i'm not old enough to remember it being used in the war lol
Even some SR flour recipes require a boost

[EvianBaby]

Thank you lovely people. I shall now go and stand in a corner for a few minutes and be thoroughly ashamed of myself for doubting my Dad.

Now, I don't suppose there's any chance I can substitute eggs with salsa sauce or something is there. Don't have of them either ;)

[mike11111]

Is baking powder the same thing as bicarbonate of soda, a popular indigestion remedy in my youth?

[mrs_overall]

Note to self: if Evian invites me for lunch, I am busy

[EvianBaby]

Oh! I have bicarbonate of soda! I bought some yesterday.

Lol mrs o. I'm only young (cough cough) and I'm still learning. It's just a shame every time I cook something it happens to be some sort of sugar based desert rather than any kind of proper food.

[mrs_overall]

Have you got any decent cookbooks? I don't know if you can still buy it but Delia Smith's "One is Fun" is a good starter book. Also, I'd recommend Jamie Oliver cook books.
PS - I am still busy lol

[EvianBaby]

My sister bought me a Jon torode (the master chef bloke) chicken cook book.

Think I best get some more though. I have four weeks to learn to fend for myself. I'll invite you round once I've mastered beans on toast!

[mrs_overall]

It's a date! lol

[humbersloop]

Evian,

Leith's Cookery Bible is a really good place to start learning. It's not flashy or gimmicky, it just gets you through all the basics and beyond. You can pick up a second hand one cheaply over on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co....e-Leith/dp/0747527997

I like baked beans on toast too.... ;-)

[heathfield]

Baking soda is bicarbonate of soda with cornflour added to dilute it somewhat. It's safer to use if the measures are a bit off, since the effect of bicarb on its own could be a bit too strong in some recipes.

[DTCwordfan]

Nigel Slater's books are very "cookable" and tasty dishes too............