Why Pastry Chefs Measure By Weight to Bake

Summary

The video script emphasizes the unreliability of volume measurements in cooking, advocating for the use of scales for accuracy. It demonstrates how different scooping methods for flour can result in significant weight variations, affecting recipe outcomes. Examples of measuring chopped walnuts and eggs highlight the inconsistency of volume measurements. The script illustrates the point with brown sugar packed in various ways, showing drastic differences in weight. It concludes with a baking demonstration comparing cookies made by weight versus volume, underscoring the superiority of weight measurements for consistent results.

Takeaways

• 📏 Avoid using volume measurements like cups and spoons for accuracy in cooking and baking.
• 💰 Investing in a scale, even the most basic one, is more beneficial than the most expensive measuring cup.
• 👨‍🍳 At ICE, culinary and pastry students are taught the importance of using scales from the very beginning.
• 🔍 Different methods of scooping and leveling flour can result in significant weight differences.
• 📝 Recipes that call for volume measurements can lead to inconsistent results due to variations in interpretation.
• 🥜 Measuring chopped walnuts before and after chopping can result in different weights, impacting the recipe outcome.
• 🥚 The weight of eggs can vary greatly, affecting the consistency of a recipe if not measured accurately.
• 🍬 Packing sugar differently can lead to vastly different weights, emphasizing the unreliability of volume measurements.
• 🍪 Baking cookies with weight measurements ensures consistency, unlike those baked with volume measurements.
• 👀 Visual comparison of cookies baked by weight versus volume measurements shows a marked difference in outcome.
• ⚖️ For reliable and consistent results in cooking and baking, using a scale for weight measurements is recommended.

Q & A

Why does the speaker argue against using volume measurements for cooking?

The speaker argues against using volume measurements because they are inconsistent and can lead to different results each time, affecting the quality and consistency of the final product.

What is the main advantage of using a scale according to the script?

The main advantage of using a scale is its accuracy and consistency, ensuring that the same amount of ingredients is used every time, leading to a uniform final product.

What is the first lesson taught to culinary and pastry students at ICE regarding measurements?

The first lesson taught at ICE is to avoid using volume measurements and instead use weight measurements with a scale for more accurate and consistent results.

How does the method of scooping flour affect the weight when measured with a scale?

Different methods of scooping flour, such as simply scooping or spooning and leveling it off, can result in significantly different weights when measured with a scale.

What is an example of how volume measurements can lead to inconsistencies in recipes involving chopped walnuts?

Measuring one cup of chopped walnuts can result in different weights depending on how finely they are chopped before measuring, leading to inconsistencies in the recipe.

What is the average weight of a large egg, and how can it vary?

The average weight of a large egg is about 50 grams, but it can vary widely, resulting in different weights when measured without a scale.

How does the packing method of brown sugar affect its weight when measured by cup?

The packing method, whether lightly packed, tightly packed, or further packed, can result in a significant difference in weight of brown sugar measured by cup.

What is the main message conveyed by the comparison of chocolate chip cookies made by weight and by volume measurements?

The main message is that cookies made by weight measurements are consistent and uniform, while those made by volume measurements can vary greatly in size and appearance.

What is the speaker's recommendation for ensuring product consistency in cooking?

The speaker recommends using a scale for measuring ingredients by weight to ensure product consistency, save time, and make people happy with the results.

Why are volume measurements considered 'the devil' in the context of this script?

Volume measurements are considered 'the devil' because they are highly unreliable and can lead to significant variations in ingredient amounts, affecting the outcome of recipes.

What is the practical demonstration the speaker uses to show the unreliability of volume measurements?

The speaker demonstrates the unreliability of volume measurements by comparing the weight of ingredients like flour, walnuts, and brown sugar measured by different methods, showing the vast differences in results.