To substitute baking soda for baking powder, you need to mix it with an acid (like buttermilk or yogurt) and a stabilizer (like cornstarch). The general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar (the acid) plus 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch (the stabilizer) to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Easy peasy, right?
Now, you might be wondering what cream of tartar is, and why you need it. Well, cream of tartar is like the unsung hero of the baking world - it helps to activate the baking soda and makes your baked goods rise like a charm. And if you don't have cream of tartar, you can use lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute, but use it sparingly, as it can give your baked goods a weird flavor.