The fact that soda and cream of tartar are the ingredients of the best
baking powders is well understood.
Dr. Lillis Wood Starr says: “Cream of tartar belongs to the same
class with soda. Soda is bi-carbonate of sodium; cream of tartar is
bi-tartrate of potassium. Sodium, potassium and calcium (lime) all
belong to the same group of metals and are injurious to the tissues of
our bodies.”
Dr. Lauretta Kress--“Cream of tartar or Potassium Bi-tartrate is a
gastro-intestinal irritant like soda. By combining cream of tartar
and soda, we have Rochelle salts. If needed as a cathartic, they are
better given as such on an empty stomach; then the system quickly gets
rid of them. If taken in food they are retained longer and become more
irritating.”
“Sugar when largely used is more injurious than meat.”
Cake at its best is not to be recommended, but for those who have not
yet discarded it, we give a variety of recipes for cakes without baking
powder or soda: there are some, also, without eggs.
When a few more eggs are used in a cake than would be required with
chemicals, remember that less of the nitrogenous is necessary in other
dishes: also, that the health of your family is of the first importance
and it would be better not to give them any cake at all than that which
will poison their systems.