Measuring Ingredients Kitchen Basics. Measuring Ingredients: Introduction To produce quality cooked...

Measuring Ingredients

Kitchen Basics

Measuring Ingredients: Introduction

To produce quality cooked and baked products, it is important to measure the ingredients accurately.

Beginning cooks are advised to make the effort to measure accurately: more experienced cooks are often able to use

more approximate measures for some recipes without affecting product quality.

Measuring Ingredients: Equipment

Choosing the correct measuring equipment is the first step in making accurate measurements.

The choice of which type of measurement equipment to use depends upon the types of amount of ingredients that will be measured.


Dry ingredients, such as sugar and flour, are measured in plastic and metal measuring cups.


Dry measure measuring cups are designed to allow the cook to fill the cup to overflowing then level the ingredient off with a straight-edged utensil.


Liquids are measured in transparent glass or translucent plastic measuring cups.


Liquid measuring cups have a spout for pouring and have space between the top most measure and the rim of the cup so that liquids are not spilled while being transferred from cup to mix bowl.

Measuring Ingredients: EquipmentSmall amounts of ingredients are measured

using plastic or metal measuring spoons.

Dry and liquid ingredients and fats may be measured using measuring spoons.


Measuring equipment may provide Metric measures, Imperial measures, or both.


How to Measure Dry Ingredients


FlourBecause flour may settle and pack during shipping and storage, stir the flour in its container before you measure.

If the recipe calls for sifted flour, spoon the stirred flour into the sifter, sift the flour and then measure it.


FlourSpoon the flour into the dry measure cup, filling to overflowing.

Level the flour off by dragging a straight edged utensil across the top of the measuring cup.


Granulated SugarGranulated (white) sugar does not pack, so

no stirring is required before measuring

Measure granulated sugar is using the same method as is used for measuring

flour.


Brown SugarBrown sugar should be firmly

packed into the dry measure measuring

cup.

You will know if you have packed the sugar into the cup properly if the sugar holds its shape when dumped from the measuring

cup.


Small Amounts

When small amounts of a dry ingredient, such as flour, sugar, and baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices, are to be

measured measuring spoons are used.

Overfill the measuring spoon and level off the dry Ingredient with a straight edged utensil.


How to Measure Liquid Ingredients


Measuring cups for liquid ingredients must be placed on aLevel surface when measuring. Avoid lifting the cup to read

the measure as it will probably tilt causing you to read in inaccurate amount.

How to Measure Liquid IngredientsOnce the measuring cup is on a level surface

add the liquid you wish to measure.

Read the level of the liquid by bending down so that the measuring cup is at eye level. Read the liquid level at the

bottom of the meniscus.


Small Amounts

Small amounts of liquid ingredient may be measured using measuring spoons.

How to Measure Fats

Oil

Oil is measured using the method for measuring liquid ingredients.

How to Measure Fats

Solid Fats Solid fats include butter, margarine, lard and shortening.

Several methods of measurement may be used for solid fats, dependingupon what kind of fat you will be measuring, and how much fat you need to

measure.

How to Measure Fats

Soft fats, such as spreadable margarine, or softened butter, can be carefully pressed into a dry measure ( avoid trapping air bubbles)

and level off with a straight edged utensil.

Soft Solid Fats

How to Measure Fats

Firm Solid Fats

Firm fats, such as lard, shortening, cold butter and baking margarine, may be cut from the block, if the package provides measurements for doing

so.

How to Measure Fats

Firm Solid FatsSome firm fats are pre-portioned. For example, some squares of bakingmargarine are wrapped in 125 mL or ½ cup portions.

How to Measure Fats

Firm Solid FatsFirm fats may also be measured by water displacement.

Select a liquid measure measuring cup which could hold at least twice the amount of fat to be measured.

How to Measure Fats

Firm Solid Fats

Pour off the water, than use the fat as required.

Measuring Ingredients : ConclusionAccurate ingredient measurement is an important part of creating

a quality food product.

With practice, every cook can develop accurate measuring skills.

The End

Measuring Ingredients Kitchen Basics. Measuring Ingredients: Introduction To produce quality cooked...

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