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 slightly larger capacity; moreover, they indicate the measurement on the cup, allowing you to level them without accidents. To measure dry ingredients, fill the cup and level the surface with a spatula to make it even. You should look for cups on the market that suit your lifestyle (whether you have help or do it alone). Avoid cups without handles, as you shouldn’t put your finger inside. Use those with a grip or handle and some weight in the grip. For liquid ingredients, glass cups with a capacity of one cup and half a liter are ideal. You should fill to the level indicated 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 indicating 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, also 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 flour, then level it with a spatula or scrape it, and then sift it onto 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 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 in the measuring cup and level Approx. 112 grams 1 cup of cake flour, sifted You measure the flour in the measuring cup and level Approx. 112 grams 1 cup of sifted flour You measure the flour in the measuring cup, level, and sift Approx. 140 grams 1 cup of cake flour You measure the flour in the measuring cup, level, 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, divide 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 oil before dipping it into the honey to make it exact. Brown sugar has some moisture and needs to be compacted 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 shortening, place a piece of cling wrap in the measuring cup for solids and press it down well, pour in the butter or shortening, and level it with a spatula. To remove it, just pull the cling wrap, 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?