Measurements that are accurate is likely to be the most important cooking ability at home. In a process referred to as tolerance testing, economists at home have hours of time in the test kitchen, experimenting with various recipes. A recipe must perform well even if the quantities of ingredients are altered; if the recipe fails tolerance testing then it’s not published.
The recipes in cookbooks can be quite tolerant. However, cooks should still adhere to the fundamental principles of measuring for satisfactory results. Before you begin, ensure you’ve got the right commercial measuring utensils. Use nesting (or graduated) measuring cups for dry ingredients. Measurements spoons can be used to accurately determine dry ingredients. The stainless coffee spoon is not the proper tool. Glass or plastic cups that are clear with a pouring handle are best for liquid ingredients. Gradually designed measuring cups are available in 1/3 cup, 1/4 cup, cup, 1/2 cup 1 cup and 2 cup sizes. Liquid measuring cups can be utilized in 2 or 4 cups. Measuring spoons generally range from 1/4 teaspoon, 1/8 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon. Other spoons with esoteric designs are available, including 1/8 cup and 2/3 burner propane grill cup. Although they don’t have standardized measurements, sets measuring “a pinch”, “a smidgen”, and “a dab”, exist. Flour: Stir flour in the bag or storage container. Use a large spoon to gently stir the flour out of the container into the measuring cup. Do not shake the cup or put in the flour. With the help of an apron or flat-bladed spatula, level off the flour at an even level with the edge of the measuring cup. Don’t use the measuring cups to scoop out the flour of the container. It is possible to get 150% of your correct measurement if you do this! A cup of flour that is properly measured should weigh between 120-125 grams. Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Stir in the container. Make use of the measuring spoon to gently scoop the contents from the container. You can use the knife to raise the container to ensure that it is level with the measurement spoon’s top. Sugar The measurement of sugar involves scooping the measuring spoon into the container or bag until it’s filled to the brim before leveling off using the edge of a knife. Brown Sugar: This needs to be put in the measuring cup. When the sugar is added to other ingredients, it will not change its shape. Powdered Sugar: Usually, powdered sugar needs to be sifted to get rid of small lumps. It is measured by pouring the sugar into the measuring cups from the container and then leveling it off with the back of a knife. Make sure to measure the liquid ingredients at the eye level Use the liquid measuring cups to add the liquid to the cup. Next, bend so you’re on the exact level as the markings. The liquid should not be more or less than the marking. Semi-Liquid Ingredients: Ingredients like peanut butter, sour-cream and yogurt are measured with dry measuring cups since they’re too thick to be measured in liquid cups. Level off the sour cream and peanut butter with the edge of a knife. Solid fats and shortening Butter and Margarine have measurement amounts written on the sides of the wrapper. A quarter-pound of margarine or butter is equal to 1/2 cup. Solid shortening is measured by packing it into cups, making sure there are no air pockets, then leveling off with the knife. To remove fats easily from baking cups, spray them with a nonstick cooking spray prior measuring. For solid fats, you can also use liquid displacement. For instance, if need to shorten 1/2 cup, fill a liquid measuring cup with 1/2 cup of cold water. Add shortening to the water until it reaches 1 cup when you hold it up to your eyes. Then, pour the water away and then use the shortening. Oil is measured in liquid form. Ingredients with liquids in Spoons Be sure to measure small quantities of liquid ingredients in the mixing bowl. Dry ingredients in Spoons Make sure to fill the measuring spoons up and finish off with the back of a knife for the most accurate amounts. A precise amount of ingredients such as baking soda and powder are essential to the success of any baked dessert. Chopped ingredients. Take note of the way the ingredient is chopped or diced. Also, check if the ingredients are to be measured before or after chopping. Then , the ingredients are placed in the measuring cup making sure that the top of the cup is level with the top of the cup. If you bake cookies, cakes as well as pie crusts, bread and candy it is essential to measure them accurately to the successful outcome of the recipe. When cooking stews, soups and casseroles and even meats, you may adjust the amount, but your result will be delicious.
