Tips and Techniques
Measuring Equipment | Dry Measures | Liquid Measures
Measuring Equipment
- Measuring Spoons: Usually consist of plastic and metal sets of 4 measures which are 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon.
- Graduated Measuring Cups: Plastic or metal individual cups for single measures which are usually 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, and 1 cup.
- Liquid Measuring Cups: Plastic, glass, or metal containers with a pour spout and graduated measures marked on the side of the container showing a range of different measures from 1 to 2 cups.
- Mixing Bowls: Plastic, glass, or metal containers of varying shapes into which ingredients can be placed, measured, and mixed.
- Scales: Balance or spring scales are used to measure the weight of ingredients. Balance scales will be more accurate than spring scales.
Dry Measures
When measuring dry ingredients such as flour or grain, there may be a substantial weight difference for 1 cup of each ingredient. As an example, 1 cup of grain may weigh 150 grams while 1 cup of flour could weigh 190 grams. After placing the dry ingredient in the measuring cup, use a spatula, knife, or similar device to remove excess amounts and to level the cup. Since some dry ingredients can be pressed into a measuring cup and result in a heavier amount of materials, always check the recipe to make sure you know whether the ingredients being measured are to be sifted or scooped (i.e., flour or sugar) or lightly pressed or compressed (i.e., butter or cheese) into the measuring utensil.
Flour
- Flour should not be packed down: When measuring flour, do not pack it down, which may occur easily if being measured in a small container.
- Sifting: Flour is often sifted or stirred with a whisk or spoon to remove lumps and aerate it before placing it in a measuring utensil. It is important to remember that if a recipe calls for one cup of sifted flour, the flour should be sifted first and then measured. If a recipe calls for 1 cup flour, sifted, the flour should be measured first and then sifted.
- Proper measuring technique: A cup used for measuring a specific amount should be filled until it is heaping and then the flour can be leveled off with a spatula or knife so that is does not become compacted.
- Effects of humidity: If you are measuring flour by weight and it is damp from humidity, it will weigh more than dry flour and may adversely affect your results.
- Accuracy: Since flour is a major ingredient in many recipes, it is important to be accurate with your measures.
Sugar
- Measuring procedure: Use typical measuring procedures for all types of granular sugar, except brown sugar.
- Brown sugar: Because of the consistency of brown sugar, it must be packed down firmly into the measuring device and then it can be leveled off with a knife or spatula.
Butter and Shortening
- Measuring procedure: Unlike flour, butter and shortening can be packed into the measuring utensil and leveled.
- Measurements marked on butter wrappers: The wrappers of most brands of butter sold in sticks are marked with measurements on the stick to show the number of tablespoons or ounces of butter that are used if the stick is cut at a particular point. This eliminates having to pack butter in a cup or other measuring device.
- Amount of butter per stick: Butter is usually sold with 4 sticks per pound with each stick equaling 4 ounces which is equal to 8 tablespoons.
Liquid Measures
Measuring with Cups
When using a cup measure, to insure an even and correct level of measured ingredients, place the measuring cup on a counter and then pour the ingredients into the cup. If a measuring cup is held at eye level, it may not be possible to hold the cup level when pouring contents into it, which may lead to inaccurate measures.
Measuring with Spoons
When measuring with spoons, place the spoon away from the bowl into which the ingredients are being added so that when an ingredient is added to the spoon, spillage does not go into the mixing bowl. Pour the liquid into the spoon until it reaches the brim which is a level measure of the amount desired. |
