How to Use Measuring Spoons and Cups

Use the Correct Cup! Know the difference between liquid and dry measures, and use the appropriate one for each task. While they hold the same volume, they are used differently. Measurements are labeled on each measure.

The Eyes Have It! Use a liquid measure for liquids, such as water, milk or oil. Fill the cup to the appropriate line, place it on a level surface, and read it with your eye at the level of the liquid. Water surface curves downward, so use the bottom of the curve for accurate measurement and not the edge that is against the measuring cup. This is helpful for bread recipes in which the exact amount of water is crucial.water

Dry Measure Use a dry measure for powders, such as sugar, salt, and baking powder. Spoon the powder lightly into the cup. Run a knife or spatula across the top to level the surface and scrape any excess back into the jar or canister.

Liquid Spoon Measure a liquid in a measuring spoon by filling it full.

Dry Spoon Use measuring spoons for dry ingredients by filling and then leveling with the straight edge of a spatula or knife. Many baking powder cans come with a built- in edge for leveling. In a pinch, you can also use the edge of the lid.

Addition Add measurements if you don't have a measure that size. For instance: 1 3/4 teaspoons is 1 teaspoon +1/2 teaspoon +1/4 teaspoon

Butter Butter often has measurements marked on the wrapper in tablespoons. To use these measurements, use a sharp knife to cut straight through the stick, wrapper and all. Generally, one stick of butter is 1/2 cup. Butter

Flour Spoon it into the dry measure gently, without pressing or packing it in. Then level with a knife as usual.

Brown Sugar Measure brown sugar by packing it moderately firmly into a dry measure with the back of a spoon.

Miscellaneous To measure things like grated cheese or chopped nuts, pack them loosely into a dry measure until they are about even with the rim.nuts

Miscellaneous To measure a substance with the consistency of peanut butter or shortening, use a spatula to pack it into a dry measure. Then, use the spatula to scoop it out again.peanut butter

WARNING! Don't put a wet or oily spoon /cup into a canister of a dry ingredient. You will only make a mess. Whenever possible, measure all the dry ingredients first. Otherwise, clean and dry the spoon. Don't put a wet or oily spoon /cup into a canister of a dry ingredient. You will only make a mess. Whenever possible, measure all the dry ingredients first. Otherwise, clean and dry the spoon.

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