Ammonium Carbonate: Enhancing Baking With A Unique Twist

Discover the benefits of using Ammonium Carbonate in baking and learn how to make traditional Swedish gingerbread cookies and classic Italian taralli.

What is Ammonium Carbonate?

Ammonium Carbonate is a chemical compound that is commonly used in the food industry as a leavening agent. It is a white powder with a strong ammonia odor and is also known as baker's ammonia or hartshorn. Despite its name, Ammonium Carbonate does not contain any carbonates but is instead a mixture of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbamate.

How Does Ammonium Carbonate Work in Nutrition?

Ammonium Carbonate is primarily used in baking to help dough rise. When it comes into contact with moisture and heat, it decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water. The release of carbon dioxide gas creates bubbles in the dough, making it light and fluffy. This process is similar to how baking soda or baking powder works.

Benefits of Using Ammonium Carbonate in Baking

1. Improved Texture: Ammonium Carbonate helps create a crisp and delicate texture in baked goods, especially cookies and crackers.

2. Longer Shelf Life: Baked goods made with Ammonium Carbonate tend to have a longer shelf life due to the absence of moisture from the leavening process.

3. Unique Flavor: Ammonium Carbonate imparts a distinct flavor to baked goods, giving them a slightly tangy and ammonia-like taste.

Precautions and Safety

While Ammonium Carbonate is generally recognized as safe for consumption in small quantities, it is important to handle it with care due to its strong ammonia odor. It is recommended to use it in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes directly. Additionally, Ammonium Carbonate should not be ingested in its pure form and should always be used as directed in recipes.

Recipes Using Ammonium Carbonate

1. Traditional Swedish Gingerbread Cookies:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon Ammonium Carbonate
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, Ammonium Carbonate, and salt.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy the delicious Swedish gingerbread cookies!

2. Classic Italian Taralli:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon Ammonium Carbonate
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, fennel seeds, Ammonium Carbonate, and salt.
2. Add the white wine and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a rope about 1/2 inch thick.
5. Join the ends of each rope to form a ring shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the taralli for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow the taralli to cool completely before serving.
8. Enjoy these crunchy and flavorful Italian snacks!

Conclusion

Ammonium Carbonate is a useful ingredient in baking that helps create light and fluffy textures in various baked goods. While it should be used with caution due to its strong ammonia odor, when used correctly, it can enhance the taste and shelf life of baked goods. Try incorporating Ammonium Carbonate into your baking recipes for a unique and delicious twist!