You've probably heard of cooks adding a "pinch" of this or a "dash" of that to make a recipe just right. In reality, accurate and proper measurement of ingredients is one of the most important factors in creating a successful dish. But don't worry – we've made it easy with these handy measuring tips.
Measuring Liquid Ingredients: To measure liquid accurately, place the cup on a level work surface. Fill to the desired mark, then bend down to check the measurement at eye level.
A 1- or 2-cup measure is essential, and a 2-quart glass measure serves as a mixing bowl and measurement device for large amounts of liquids for soup or pasta.
Measuring Dry Ingredients: To measure accurately, fill the measure to overflowing with a spoon. Sweep across the top of the cup to level the ingredient with a straight edge of a knife or a metal spatula. Do not immerse a measuring cup into flour or other dry ingredients, since this compresses the ingredient and results in an inaccurate measure.
Dry measuring cups, often metal or plastic and come nested together, are the ones without spouts. Sizes vary from 1/4-cup, 1/3-cup, 1/2-cup to 1-cup sizes, although some sets also include a 2/3-cup and a 3/4-cup measure.
Measuring spoons are used for both dry and wet ingredients. A set of measuring spoons typically includes 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. Other sets may include 1/8 teaspoon and 11/2 teaspoons. When measuring dry ingredients, follow the same methods as you would with measuring cups: Fill the spoon to overflowing, then level it off with a knife or a metal spatula. Measure liquid ingredients by filling the spoon to the rim.
Helpful Hint: Measure an ingredient over a bowl or piece of waxed paper in case it overflows.