Accurately measuring ingredients, especially in baking, can be the deciding factor in a successful final product. Here is what you need to know about properly measuring common ingredients.
DRY INGREDIENTS
Dry ingredients are solid and free from liquid: flour, oats, rice, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, spices.
Measure dy ingredients with nesting measuring cups – the kind that stack. Dry measuring cup sets typically include ¼ cup, 1/3 cup, ½ cup and 1 cup. Smaller amounts of dry ingredients can be measured with teaspoons or tablespoons, and sets typically include ¼ teaspoon, ½ teaspoon, 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon measuring spoons.
To measure dry ingredients, use a spoon to fill the measuring cup. Don’t pack the ingredients tightly unless it’s called for the recipe, such as brown sugar. Use the straight edge of a spoon or a knife to level off the cup.
WET INGREDIENTS
Wet ingredients are liquids that pour easily: water, milk, beaten eggs and syrups.
Measure wet ingredietns with a liquid measuring cup that has a spout, handle and clear markings on the side. Pour in the liquid and look at the measurement at eye level. Getting down to eye level allows you to measure from the meniscus, the curved surface of the liquid. Liquid measuring cups come in 1, 2, 4 or 8 cup sizes.
Small amounts of liquid can also be measured with the same teaspoons and tablespoons as dry ingredietns.
ODD INGREDIENTS
Treat these ingredients as dry ingredients, measuring with a measuring cup: applesauce, peanut butter, sour cream and yogurt.
For sticky ingredients (peanut butter, honey, molasses, syrup) spray measuring cup or spoon with nonstick cooking spray before measuring so you can easily pour it out. Trust us, THIS WORKS! No more awkward scraping between the measuring cup and spoon.
