Cream of Tartar- What is it and can I use something else instead?

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Hello! Anyone know the answer? Boys and I are very keen to cook Nigella's Autumnal cake today as it looks so yum but we couldn't find cream of tartar- of which the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon- in Sainsbo's. Can we use something else? Am assuming it's some kind of raising agent? Would bicarb or baking powder or anything else I might have in the cupboard do or should I just give up the whole plan? V grateful for any thoughts.

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Anyone?

[JanH]

Sainsbo's should have it, scummy. I don't think it functions the same way as bicarb - it's included in home-made playdough which doesn't have to be refrigerated, I've assumed it's some kind of preservative?

Have you another supermarket you could try?

[JanH]

This will not help at all but it made me laugh!

It's the Little Prince's tree...

[JanH]

Explanation of cream of tartar. HTH!

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Hi Janh. I don't think there's anywhere else likely in the immediate area. I did check Tesco yesterday and they didn't have it either- it's a bit of a rubbish small one but I had higher hopes of our massive Sainsbury's. The poor kid I asked looked at me like I was quite quite mad but did do a thorough search. What do you think would happen if I just left it out?

[Yorkiegirl]

Message withdrawn

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Ahhh. Having read your brilliant link, I now see that our dreamy meringue icing will be lumpy without it! How bad can lumpy meringue be. I am now wondering?

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Thanks Yorkiegirl. I think I'm going to have a go and see what happens.

[JanH]

Hi, scummy (and YG!)

I wonder if a chemist would have it? I have bought bicarb in Boots before, and c of t is another chemical thing, might be worth a try - you could ring round first?

[Yorkiegirl]

Message withdrawn

[PaRumPumPumScum]

That's a great idea, janh. Though our local supermarkets are few and far between we have about a million chemists near by for some reason. I will see if I can drag the boys out again before cake cooking time.

[JanH]

Supercook make it, or they used to, it's what mine is - same size tub as baking powder. Mine is v v v old though.

[JanH]

Ohhhh - I wonder if it's sold out because people have been using it for Christmas cake icing?

Good luck anyway, scummy, hope you find some, it sounds like a lovely way for you all to spend the afternoon!

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Wow- look what I found! Says I can use lemon juice instead and looks v useful for last minute cooking generally.

[PaRumPumPumScum]

Oh- not working. Try here for an html version

[PaRumPumPumScum]

wow- this is the best cake I've ever made! Most especially with the "help" of my sons. Went with the lemon juice replacement idea as fanicied staying inside in the warm and it seemed to do the trick- or at least no harm. Really yummy and we all had fun.

[JanH]

Oh good - sounds lovely, scummy - send some up here please!

I will be saving your helpful substitute link too!

[Waterlemon]

I work in a nursery and often struggle to find it.

Sainsbury's, asda and tescos tend to sell it in sachets which is Impractical and expensive for us. Lidl don't sell it at all.

Ive found the best places to buy it are Aldi or Waitrose.

[Waterlemon]

Grrr bloody zombie thread!!!

Sucked in by a spam post!

[jaja2017]

You can buy Cream of Tartar online and in bulk from Amazon