How to Measure Ingredients Correctly

In the past, measurements were not used; everything was “by eye” or “with pinches and handfuls.” But if you use the right measurements, you will see that the result is perfect. Learn to measure ingredients correctly and prepare precise recipes. Liquids and dry ingredients should be measured with different cups   iStockphoto/Thinkstock   Dry ingredients like sugar or flour should always be measured in plastic cups, while liquids should be measured in glass cups with their respective measurements. Although both types of cups have the same capacity, liquids cannot be leveled with plastic cups. Glass cups have a little more capacity, and they also indicate the measurement on the cup so you can level them without accidents. To measure dry ingredients, you should fill the cup and then level the surface with a spatula so that it is even. You should look for cups in the market that fit your lifestyle (whether you have help or do it alone); avoid cups without a handle, as you should not put your finger inside. Use those with a handle or grip and some weight in the handle. For liquid ingredients, glass cups with a capacity of one cup and half a liter are ideal. You should fill them to the indicated line in the recipe, place the cup on a flat surface, bend down, and check that the measurement is correct; you should guide yourself by the line that indicates the amount, neither above nor below it.   Why and how to sift flour When a recipe calls for “one cup of sifted flour,” it is to inject air, removing lumps and impurities. Sifting flour makes it 20 to 25 percent lighter per cup, thus giving more softness to desserts and cakes.   Fill, level, and sift If the recipe says “one cup of sifted flour,” first fill the cup with the flour, then level it with a spatula or scrape it flat, and then sift it over a paper towel. This method will give you the same amount of flour, but it will be aerated and free of impurities.   When measuring flour YOU MEASURE YOU GET 1 cup of flour You measure and level Approx. 140 grams 1 cup of cake flour You measure and level Approx. 112 grams 1 cup of sifted flour You measure the flour inside the measuring cup and level Approx. 112 grams 1 cup of sifted cake flour You measure the flour inside the measuring cup and level Approx. 112 grams 1 cup of sifted flour You measure the flour inside the measuring cup, level it, and sift Approx. 140 grams 1 cup of sifted cake flour You measure the flour inside the measuring cup, level it, and sift Approx. 112 grams   Quick ways to measure When you need to weigh or measure butter, we recommend the following: unwrap the stick and measure half, then measure a quarter; each quarter will give you two tablespoons, or 1 ounce or 28 grams. If you only want one tablespoon, split that quarter in half, and you will get one tablespoon or half an ounce or 15 grams. You can weigh the tablespoon if you have a scale. When measuring honey, be sure to spray the spoon with cooking spray before dipping it into the honey to ensure accuracy. Brown sugar has some moisture and needs to be packed to remove all the air it contains. If this is not done, the weight difference could be two ounces. Measure the sugar and pack it down with a smaller cup to get the necessary amount. If you need to weigh butter or lard, put a piece of cling film in the solid measuring cup and press down well, pour in the butter or lard, and level with a spatula. To remove it, just pull the film, and it will come out quickly and cleanly.   Article courtesy of      View original article.     Super Kitchen Secrets    How to measure sticky ingredients How to make a pie crust  How to make pizza dough  How to make bread pudding     And you, do you know how to measure ingredients correctly?