1. Measuring Accurately in Recipes

2. What Do Units of Measurement Measure?
What Do Units of Measurement Measure?
Types of Measurements
Units of Measurement
Measurement Abbreviations
Volume
Teaspoon
Tablespoon
Fluid ounce
Cup
Pint
Quart
Gallon
tsp. or t.
Tbsp. or T.
fl. oz. c.
pt.
qt.
gal.
Weight
Ounce
Pound
oz.
lb.
Temperature
Degrees Fahrenheit °F

3. Measuring Terms Heaping
Key Measuring Terms
Definition
Heaping
A very full or large amount. Example: a measuring cup that is overflowing
Level
Flat and even. To check for correct measurement at “eye level” for liquids or to scrape to level using a straight-edge spatula for dry and solid ingredients.
Pinch
Less than 1/8 tsp. or the amount of an ingredient that can be held between the thumb and forefinger.

4. Correct Procedures for Measuring Dry and Solid Ingredients
Ingredient to be Measured
Measuring Utensil Used
Correct Procedures
Granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices
Measuring spoons (small amounts)
Dry measuring cups
Scale (large amounts)
Spoon ingredient into correct measuring utensil until overfilled
Do not shake or tap the measuring utensil
Use a straight-edged spatula or the back of a knife to level off
Sifted ingredients such as flour or powdered sugar
Sift the ingredient first into a bowl or container
Then follow the same directions for other dry ingredients

5. Correct Procedures for Measuring Dry and Solid Ingredients Continued…
Ingredient to be Measured
Measuring Utensil Used
Correct Procedures
Brown sugar
Measuring spoons (small amounts)
Dry measuring cups
Spoon brown sugar into measuring cup pressing firmly down with the back of a spoon each time packing it into the measuring cup
Overfill and then level off as stated above
Solid ingredients like peanut butter and shortening
Measuring spoons (small amount)
Use a rubber spatula to press ingredients into measuring cup
Make sure to eliminate any air pockets
Overfill, then level off with straight-edged spatula or the back of a knife

6. Correct Procedures for Measuring Liquids
Ingredient to be Measured
Measuring Utensil Used
Correct Procedures
Liquids including milk, water, oil, juices, food colorings, and extracts
Measuring spoons (small amounts)
Liquid measuring cup
Make sure measuring cup is on a flat surface
Bend down at eye level to the desired marking on the measuring cup
Slowly pour the liquid ingredient into the measuring cup until it reaches desired level
The handle and spout on the measuring cup make it easy to pour

7. Correct Procedures for Measuring Fats
Ingredient to be Measured
Measuring Utensil Used
Correct Procedures
Butter and Margarine
Your eyeballs and a knife
The outside of butter and margarine wrappers have markings indicating tablespoons
Use the markings to measure the amount that you need and cut through the wrapper on that line

8. Final Measuring Tips
Always measure over the ingredient container or a piece of wax paper, never over the combined recipe ingredients
For sticky items like honey and molasses, lightly spray the measuring cup with cooking spray to make it easier to remove the ingredient