Baking tip of the day. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a chemical compound. It’s expiration does not mean it can suddenly give you a food-born illness, but simply that it’s lost its effectiveness as a chemical leavener. However, expiration dates lie with baking soda. To test it’s effectiveness, take a tbsp of acid—vinegar, lemon juice, or whatever— and add a 1/4 tsp of baking soda (a base) to it. If it fizzes like this, go ahead and use it.
