How to Measure Ingredients | Allrecipes

Summary

This video script emphasizes the importance of accurate measurement in baking, akin to the precision required in science. It suggests investing in basic, easy-to-use measuring tools, including graduated spoons and cups for both dry and liquid ingredients. The script provides detailed instructions on how to measure various ingredients correctly, such as leveling off dry ingredients and ensuring liquid measurements are accurate at eye level. It also addresses specific techniques for sticky substances and advises following recipe instructions precisely for best results, highlighting the role of measuring tools in achieving successful baking outcomes.

Takeaways

• 📏 **Accuracy in Measurement**: Accurate measurement is crucial in baking and cooking as it affects the outcome of recipes.
• 🥄 **Basic Measuring Tools**: Every home cook should have basic measuring spoons and cups, which don't need to be fancy or expensive.
• 🥄 **Measuring Spoons**: They come in graduated sizes for both wet and dry ingredients, including 1/8 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon.
• 🥄 **Measuring Dry Ingredients**: Use the 'dip and sweep' method to level off ingredients with the back of a knife.
• 🥄 **Measuring Wet Ingredients**: Hold the spoon level and fill it completely without spilling.
• 🥛 **Liquid Measuring Cups**: Have a clear cup with measurements printed on the side, a handle, and a pouring spout for liquids.
• 🥛 **Heatproof Measuring Cups**: Choose cups that are microwave safe and heatproof for hot ingredients.
• 🥛 **Measuring Sticky Liquids**: Use a thin coat of oil or butter on the inside of the cup to ensure sticky liquids pour out easily.
• 🧈 **Measuring Shortening**: Press it into the cup to remove air bubbles, then level it off.
• 🧈 **Measuring Butter**: Use the increments marked on the paper wrapper to measure stick butter.
• 🥄 **Avoid Pouring Directly**: Do not pour ingredients directly into a measuring cup held over a mixing bowl to avoid spilling.
• 📏 **Dry Measuring Cups**: Use different cups for dry ingredients like rice or sugar, with sizes for a fourth cup to a full cup.
• 📏 **Finesse for Different Ingredients**: Stir flour before measuring, sift powdered sugar, and pack brown sugar firmly before leveling.
• 📖 **Recipe Adherence**: Follow the recipe exactly the first time, then make adjustments once you understand the process.

Q & A

Why is accuracy important in measuring ingredients for baking?

Accuracy in measuring ingredients is crucial in baking because it affects how recipes turn out. Precise measurements ensure that the chemical reactions and textures in baked goods are consistent and as intended.

What types of measuring tools are recommended for a home cook according to the script?

The script recommends having measuring spoons, liquid measuring cups, and dry measuring cups. These tools should be simple, basic, and easy to use.

How should one measure dry ingredients using a measuring spoon?

To measure dry ingredients, one should dip the spoon into the ingredient and level it off with the back of a knife.

What is the correct way to measure wet ingredients with a measuring spoon?

For wet ingredients, hold the spoon level and pour the liquid until the spoon is completely full.

Why are two different types of measuring cups suggested in the script?

Two different types of measuring cups are suggested because one is for liquids like milk, water, or oils, and the other is for dry ingredients like flour or sugar. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures accurate measurements.

What are the features of a good liquid measuring cup as described in the script?

A good liquid measuring cup should be clear, have measurements printed on the side, a handle, a pouring spout, and enough headroom for ingredients that may expand.

How should one measure sticky thick liquids like molasses or honey?

For sticky thick liquids, it's best to wipe down the inside of the cup or measuring spoon with a little oil or butter before pouring. This thin coat of grease helps the liquid pour out easily and completely.

What is the recommended method for measuring shortening?

To measure shortening, scoop it out of the container and press it into the cup or spoon to force out any air bubbles or pockets, then level it off.

How should one measure dry ingredients like flour or powdered sugar?

For flour, it should be stirred first, then spooned into the measuring cup and leveled off. Powdered sugar needs to be sifted to remove lumps before measuring.

What does the script advise regarding the wording of a recipe when measuring ingredients?

The script advises to follow the recipe exactly as written the first time, paying close attention to how ingredients are worded, such as '1 cup sifted flour' or '1 cup flour, sifted,' which indicates whether to sift before or after measuring.

Why is it important not to pour ingredients directly into a measuring cup held over a mixing bowl?

Pouring ingredients directly into a measuring cup held over a mixing bowl can lead to accidentally spilling more than needed, resulting in inaccurate measurements.

Outlines

00:00

📏 Accurate Measuring in Baking

The paragraph emphasizes the importance of precision in baking, likening it to a scientific endeavor. It suggests that using good quality measuring tools is crucial for recipe success. The narrator advises on the types of measuring tools every home cook should own: measuring spoons for both wet and dry ingredients, and two sets of measuring cups—one for liquids and another for dry ingredients. The paragraph provides specific instructions on how to measure different types of ingredients, such as leveling off dry ingredients with a knife, holding wet ingredient spoons level, and using heatproof glass cups for accurate liquid measurements. It also addresses the best practices for measuring sticky substances like molasses and honey, as well as how to handle different types of sugar and butter. The narrator stresses the importance of following the recipe as written the first time, especially when it comes to instructions like 'sifted flour' versus 'flour, sifted.'

Keywords

💡Accuracy

Accuracy in the context of the video refers to the precision required when measuring ingredients for baking and cooking. It is crucial because it directly impacts the outcome of recipes. The video emphasizes the importance of using proper measuring tools to ensure accuracy, which is vital for achieving consistent results in cooking and baking.

💡Measuring Spoons

Measuring spoons are essential tools for home cooks, as highlighted in the video. They come in graduated sizes, including 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon. The video explains that these spoons are used for both wet and dry ingredients, with a technique of leveling off the dry ingredients with a knife and ensuring wet ingredients fill the spoon completely.

💡Liquid Measuring Cups

Liquid measuring cups, as mentioned in the video, are specifically designed for measuring liquids such as milk, water, or oils. They are usually clear with measurements printed on the side, featuring a handle and a pouring spout. The video advises placing the cup on a flat surface and viewing the measurement at eye level for accuracy.

💡Dry Measuring Cups

Dry measuring cups are used for ingredients like flour or sugar and are different from liquid cups. The video describes them as coming in sizes for a fourth cup, third cup, half cup, and 1 cup. The 'dip and sweep' method is recommended for filling these cups, which involves dipping the cup into the ingredient and then sweeping off the excess with a knife.

💡Leveling Off

Leveling off is a technique used to ensure accurate measurements, especially for dry ingredients. The video demonstrates how to level off dry ingredients by using the back of a knife to scrape off the excess, creating a flat surface on top of the ingredient in the spoon or cup.

💡Heatproof Measuring Cups

Heatproof measuring cups, as discussed in the video, are useful for measuring hot ingredients. They are typically made of materials like glass that can withstand heat without breaking or deforming, which is important when measuring ingredients that are heated or need to be microwaved.

💡Sticky Thick Liquids

The video addresses the challenge of measuring sticky thick liquids like molasses, honey, or corn syrup. It suggests applying a thin coat of oil or butter on the inside of the measuring cup or spoon to facilitate pouring and to ensure that the liquid doesn't stick and is measured accurately.

💡Sifting

Sifting is a technique used for ingredients like powdered sugar to remove lumps before measuring. The video emphasizes the importance of sifting to ensure that the ingredient is light and fluffy, which can affect the texture of the final product.

💡Packaging Brown Sugar

Brown sugar, due to its moist nature, requires a different handling technique as explained in the video. It should be packed firmly into the measuring cup or spoon before leveling off with a knife to account for its compactness and moisture content.

💡Recipe Adherence

The video stresses the importance of following the recipe as written, especially the first time one tries it. This includes paying attention to how ingredients are measured and prepared, such as '1 cup sifted flour' versus '1 cup flour, sifted.' Adhering to the recipe's instructions ensures the best results and understanding of how different ingredients contribute to the final dish.

Highlights

Baking is a science that requires precise measurement of ingredients.

Good quality measuring spoons and cups are essential for accurate measurements.

Measuring spoons come in graduated sizes for both wet and dry ingredients.

To measure dry ingredients, use the dip and sweep method with a knife to level off.

For wet ingredients, hold the spoon level and fill until full.

It's advisable to have two types of measuring cups: one for liquids and another for dry ingredients.

Liquid measuring cups should be clear with measurements printed on the side.

Heatproof, microwave-safe glass cups are useful for measuring hot ingredients.

For accurate liquid measurement, place the cup on a flat surface and view at eye level.

Sticky liquids like molasses are best measured by greasing the inside of the cup.

To measure shortening, press it into the cup to remove air bubbles and level off.

Stick butter can be measured directly from the paper wrapper.

Avoid pouring ingredients directly into the measuring cup over the mixing bowl to prevent spills.

Dry measuring cups use the dip and sweep method for ingredients like rice or sugar.

Flour should be stirred, spooned into the cup, and leveled off to avoid compacting.

Powdered sugar requires sifting before measuring to remove lumps.

Brown sugar is more moist and should be packed firmly into the measuring cup.

Follow the recipe exactly the first time, then make adjustments when familiar with the process.

Inexpensive and basic measuring tools can ensure accurate ingredient measurements for confident cooking.

Transcripts

[Music]

when it comes to baking cooking is a

science and in science accuracy counts

precisely measuring ingredients makes a

difference in how your recipes turn out

so measure up with good quality

measuring spoons and cups you don't need

fancy or expensive ones just simple

basic and easy to use here's what every

home cook should have measuring spoons

liquid measuring cups and dry measuring

cups let's talk spoons first they come

in graduated sizes that include 1/8

teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon 1

teaspoon and 1

tablespoon measuring spoons work for wet

or dry ingredients to measure a dry

ingredient dip in the spoon and level it

off with the back of a knife to measure

a wet ingredient hold the spoon level

and pour in the liquid until the spoon

is completely full next are measuring

cups it's a good idea to have two

different types of measuring cups one

for liquids like milk water or Oils and

another set for dry ingredients like

flour or sugar the basic measuring cup

for liquid is usually clear and has

measurements printed on the side this

type of measuring cup also has a handle

a pouring spout and plenty of Headroom

in case ingredients expand the most

useful measuring cup are heatproof

microwave safe glass for hot ingredients

as well as

cool to read a liquid measure accurately

put the cup on a flat surface and bend

down so you can see the measurement at

eye level sticky thick liquids like

molasses honey or corn syrup are

measured best by wiping down the inside

of the cup or measuring spoon with a

little oil or butter before you

pour the thin coat of Grease helps it

pour out again easily and completely for

shortening scoop it out of the container

and press it into the cup or spoon to

force out any air bubbles or Pockets

then level it off and for stick butter

just measure using the increments marked

right on the paper wrapper slice off

what you need don't be tempted to pour

ingredients into your measuring cup or

spoon while holding it over the top of

your mixing bowl it's too easy to

accidentally spill in more than you

need now let's measure dry ingredients

dry measuring cups are different from

liquid cups and come in sizes for a

fourth cup third cup half cup and 1

Cup to fill the cup use the dip and

sweep method for dry ingredients such as

rice or granulated sugar just dip and

fill the cup then sweep level with a

[Music]

knife flour and powdered sugar take a

little extra finesse white and whole

wheat flour is easily compacted so it

should be stirred first then spooned

into the measuring cup and leveled off

powdered sugar needs to be sifted in

order to remove lumps before measuring

brown sugar has more moisture so pack it

firmly into the measuring cup or spoon

before leveling with the knife also pay

close attention to how a recipe is

worded if it says 1 cup sifted flour

make sure to sift the flour first and

then measure one cup 1 cup flour comma

sifted measure it first and then sift

it it's always a good idea to follow the

recipe the way it is written the first

time you try it then improvise later

when you're familiar with how the

ingredients all come together with

inexpensive and basic measuring spoons

and cups you can measure ingredients

with accuracy and cook with

confidence