What is a function of cream of tartar in a recipe?

The role of cream of tartar in recipes primarily involves its function as an acidulant, which helps to stabilize certain ingredients, especially egg whites, during the whipping process. In this context, cream of tartar can also inhibit the Maillard reaction, which can occur when sugars and amino acids react under heat, usually giving foods a browned appearance and distinct flavors.

By preventing the Maillard reaction, cream of tartar helps maintain the desired color and texture in certain baked goods, such as angel food cake, where a white color is preferred. This is especially significant when the pH is kept low, as the Maillard reaction is less likely to occur in acidic conditions.

In summary, the correct answer focuses on cream of tartar's ability to control the appearance and quality of baked products by inhibiting browning reactions, which is essential in achieving certain visual and textural characteristics in recipes.