For a perfect recipe success, you need to know how to measure each ingredient the correct way. The amount of ingredients you add to your recipe may be perfect but not precise.
You can get away with adding ingredients by hand and constantly adjusting while cooking regular cuisine. However, the nature of baking is pure science and you only have one chance at a time to add in your ingredients. Measuring ingredients correctly for baking will give you varying results.
With the right measuring tools and proper practices, you can get the desired results.
Measuring tools
Every kitchen should have basic measuring tools like measuring cups, measuring spoons, jars and an electronic scale. If you don’t have these, consider investing in these tools in your next shopping list. Trust me, these tools are forever and one-time purchase. And it’s worth it.
How to measure dry ingredients
The thumb rule of baking anything is to measure all dry ingredients with dry measuring cups. The correct way to measure any dry ingredient is to fill your measuring cup with the ingredients mentioned and level the excess top with a knife or a spoon. If you measure any dry ingredients heaped, you’ll be gradually adding more excess flour resulting in a thick end result.
Here are some examples of dry ingredients to be measured with dry measuring cups or spoons
- Flours
- Oats
- Sugar
- Powder sugars
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cocoa powder
For eg. If a recipe calls for 4 cups of flour, you need to measure 4 cups of flour leveled not heaped.
How to measure Liquids
Just like the dry ingredients rule, all liquid ingredients should be measured in wet measuring cups or jars.Always make sure to use a cup or a fairly transparent jar that was visible measurement marking clearly printed.
Here are some examples of liquid ingredients
- Water
- Oils
- Milk and creams
- Syrups
- Flavorings
For sticky ingredients like corn syrup, honey, maple syrup, molasses always spray your measuring cups with nonstick spray before measuring.
Measuring spoons
Measuring spoons are very vital in measuring ingredients in small amounts. Ingredients like baking powder, baking soda, instant yeast play an important role in baking. It is very important to measure these ingredients precisely. Always use a measuring spoon with accurate measurements printed and always level the excess ingredients for the correct amount. Measuring spoons do come in sets, so always keep them handy. You may not know when you may need them.
Digital scale A digital scale in every household is a lifesaver. With precise and accurate measurements, your bakery goods will turn out perfect every time.
Measuring eggs
Sometimes it might be a little tricky to measure eggs. Although your recipe I call for medium size eggs and it’s not necessarily that you may have the exact size eggs available. Apart from urban areas, you may likely get your hands on locally available single-size eggs. A medium-sized egg ranges anywhere between 53-63 grams. If you happen to have only large eggs available, you can crack the eggs in a bowl and roughly beat them together then measure them separately on a scale.
Measuring margarine, sour cream, and brown sugar
Measuring hard fats like margarine, sour cream, or brown sugar that’s semi-solid at room temperature can be tricky. You can shave pieces of fat and measure on an electronic scale for precise accuracy or shave pieces and press firmly into measuring cups with a spoon until it’s leveled to the top and swoop off the extra.
Tips
- Avoid measuring any ingredients directly over your mixing bowl. Excess ingredients may fall into your mixing bowl or worse, all your ingredients may accidentally tumble into your recipe.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape off sticky ingredients for easy use.
- Always break eggs into a separate bowl before adding them to your recipe. It’s easy to remove any egg shells that might have broke in a bowl than in your mix.
If you like this article check out 4 Easy Techniques for Making Cakes
